Project Narrative
The Solar Dome, located in Eco Park, Kolkata, stands as India’s first museum dedicated to renewable energy, designed to educate visitors about sustainable energy solutions and the urgent need to address climate change. Originally envisioned as a heritage hub for the state electricity board, the project transformed through a design competition into a futuristic museum showcasing renewable energy technologies. Spanning 40,000 sq.ft., the museum accommodates up to 320 visitors at a time, with an intended experience duration of three hours, carefully curated to balance education, engagement, and entertainment.
The design philosophy, “Orchestrate the Flow with Muse and Magic,” prioritizes an immersive visitor experience, avoiding the fatigue often associated with conventional science museums. Interactive exhibits, temporary displays, and milestone showcases of innovations allow the museum to stay updated with fast-evolving green technologies. Visitors are encouraged to understand the pressing climate crisis, the impact of fossil fuel dependency, and how individual action can support a green energy lifestyle.
The museum is organized across six levels, each serving a unique purpose. Level 0, the Crisis Gallery, immerses visitors in climate impacts through projection mapping, LED tunnels, interactive games, and video installations, while honoring biodiversity loss with a 60-meter ramp wall showcasing extinct species. Level 1, Mission Renewability, highlights the transformative potential of sustainable energy solutions, using immersive visualizations and infographics. Levels 2 and 3, Tapping Renewability, present renewable technologies—solar, wind, tidal, hydro, and geothermal—through static displays, interactive games, and dynamic projection mapping. Level 4, Learn by Fun Gallery, engages visitors of all ages with hands-on activities, including assembling solar and wind models or generating energy through a smart bicycle, blending education with playful learning. Level 5, City and Beyond, explores smart city planning as a tool for climate mitigation, featuring interactive laser projection games and immersive theater experiences depicting Kolkata in 2100. Finally, Level 6, Future Ready, presents forward-looking concepts such as floating cities, Martian colonies, and garden metropolises, complemented by a café and souvenir shop for reflection and engagement.
Several design interventions addressed the challenges posed by the existing industrial steel structure. Volumetric modifications were limited to 15% of the area to maintain cohesiveness, while acoustic baffles, specialized flooring, and strategic isolations improved sound performance.
The service ramp and VIP elevators were integrated into the museum circulation, creating a sustainable and intuitive visitor flow. To harmonize the industrial interior, pastel monochromatic surfaces and vibrant floor graphics guided visitors and emphasized exhibit focus. Inclusive design ensured accessibility for ages 5 to 65, fostering group engagement and curiosity through games and interactive elements.
The design philosophy, “Orchestrate the Flow with Muse and Magic,” prioritizes an immersive visitor experience, avoiding the fatigue often associated with conventional science museums. Interactive exhibits, temporary displays, and milestone showcases of innovations allow the museum to stay updated with fast-evolving green technologies. Visitors are encouraged to understand the pressing climate crisis, the impact of fossil fuel dependency, and how individual action can support a green energy lifestyle.
The museum is organized across six levels, each serving a unique purpose. Level 0, the Crisis Gallery, immerses visitors in climate impacts through projection mapping, LED tunnels, interactive games, and video installations, while honoring biodiversity loss with a 60-meter ramp wall showcasing extinct species. Level 1, Mission Renewability, highlights the transformative potential of sustainable energy solutions, using immersive visualizations and infographics. Levels 2 and 3, Tapping Renewability, present renewable technologies—solar, wind, tidal, hydro, and geothermal—through static displays, interactive games, and dynamic projection mapping. Level 4, Learn by Fun Gallery, engages visitors of all ages with hands-on activities, including assembling solar and wind models or generating energy through a smart bicycle, blending education with playful learning. Level 5, City and Beyond, explores smart city planning as a tool for climate mitigation, featuring interactive laser projection games and immersive theater experiences depicting Kolkata in 2100. Finally, Level 6, Future Ready, presents forward-looking concepts such as floating cities, Martian colonies, and garden metropolises, complemented by a café and souvenir shop for reflection and engagement.
Several design interventions addressed the challenges posed by the existing industrial steel structure. Volumetric modifications were limited to 15% of the area to maintain cohesiveness, while acoustic baffles, specialized flooring, and strategic isolations improved sound performance.
The service ramp and VIP elevators were integrated into the museum circulation, creating a sustainable and intuitive visitor flow. To harmonize the industrial interior, pastel monochromatic surfaces and vibrant floor graphics guided visitors and emphasized exhibit focus. Inclusive design ensured accessibility for ages 5 to 65, fostering group engagement and curiosity through games and interactive elements.
410 words
