KD Malaviya – Oil Museum, by Chaukor Studio

Oil Museum
KD Malaviya - Oil Museum, by Chaukor Studio

KD Malaviya – Oil Museum

Journey from Revolution towards Evolution

Oil Museum is proposed to spread awareness towards Oil as a natural resource and an important source of energy. It showcases the phenomenal impact that the resource has and demarcates the way towards a sustainable tomorrow.  The museum is envisioned to be a building that is –

  1. Landmark– Museum is a major landmark and provides a distinct identity to the region; thus forming a strong association with the people.
  2. Dynamic– Flexible planning allows the museum to host technology fairs and energy expos apart from only serving as an exhibition space; and forming a dynamic and interactive space.
  3. Smart- With the use of sustainable and innovative technologies in the construction and design of the building, the museum complex serves as a case example of a future-oriented – smart building.
Landscape Context

Design Concept –

1.Contextualization – Traditionally, the buildings that developed in various regions were essentially planned as an extension to the natural setting of the land. The buildings were embedded in the natural landscape and were often constructed from the locally available materials.

Environmental SustainabilityThis practice led to minimal intervention to the natural landscape and maintained the existing ecosystem of the region. Working with locally available materials reduced the impact on the environment by largely reducing the energy and resources required for transportation.

Site Responsive The building complex is planned and designed as an intrinsic part of the landscape, thus following the natural order and creating a holistic environment.

2.Futurism – Modern buildings are designed to represent the concept of modernity and technological advancement. Industrialized and pre-fabricated materials in combination with mechanized construction techniques have led to distinct and iconic built-forms.

Contrast and ImpactModern buildings, designed in complete contrast to their contextual setting are impactful and awe-striking. They represent the notion of modernity and a new approach to design and architecture.

Industrial MaterialsTraditional building materials are generally replaced by hi-tech and industrialized ones. Steel and glass are primarily used in combination to create lightweight and large-span structures. This technique is primarily followed to show advancements in engineering and technology.

3.Form Derivation – Oil rigs are one of the most intriguing and distinct structures found in the oil and petroleum industry. The strikingly different character of oil rigs has made them one of the most recognizable structures in the oil industry.

Design RelevanceUnique identity and recognizability have provided a very special place to the oil rigs. Being one of the most relevant structures to oil and petroleum; the characteristics, materials and proportions of the proposed museum building have been derived from that of an oil rig.

Intrigue and CuriosityMaterials and proportions of oil rigs are un-relatable and alien from any conventional building and generates a very strong sense of intrigue in the eyes of the viewer. This curiosity generating quality is fundamental for any museum to provide an engaging and dynamic environment to the visitors.

Iconic – Oil Rig

Museum Journey –

Museum complex is primarily divided into three distinct elements that are planned to operate in conjunction and curate the Journey of Awareness for the museum visitors.

  1. Origin – Orientation centre located at the entry (ground) level provides background knowledge about Oil and its importance to the visitors. From here, visitors then embark on the journey of exploration.
  2. Journey – Main Ramp is the sole connecting element between the entrance plaza and the museum. All visitors compulsorily have to take this path to reach the main building. The path has been intertwined with the landscape and frames multiple views of outdoor exhibits generating curiosity and intrigue.
  3. Arrival – Museum building is the culmination point of the journey; this is where people interact with exhibitions and receive factual information about Oil; Energy Demands and Renewable sources of energy that shall lead to a sustainable future.

Exhibition Galleries –

Permanent exhibitions are categorically divided into three distinct galleries. The galleries are planned to function independently as well as in conjunction with each other in case of larger themed exhibits. Variety of spaces is formed within each gallery to accommodate exhibits of various types and sizes. Double height spaces are formed that allow larger exhibits to be displayed and connects the two floors of the museum block.

  1. Oil – A Strategic Resource – This gallery functions in continuation of the Orientation centre and provides insight into the study of Oil, its applications and technologies that have developed around the industry. It also discusses the impacts of Oil and Petroleum as a natural source of energy.
  2. Energy and Technology -This gallery provides factual information and statistical data about the present energy needs. It also displays various associated technologies that depend on energy and are necessary for society.
  3. Environmental Sustainability -Gallery exhibits focus on innovations and technologies that provide green energy and environmentally sustainable means of fulfilling the needs of the society.  The gallery showcases the way forward to a sustainable future.

Exhibition Interface –

Display installation will incorporate a variety of technologies to create an experiential and immersive experience. Some of the technologies that can be used are:

· Audio Tours on Bluetooth headphones

· Phone / Tablet Applications

· QR Code/Beacon for educational guides on phones / tablets

· Motion sensor projection on walls/ surfaces

· Virtual Reality Glasses in Galleries

· 3D Holographic Display

Wireless Beacons – small wireless sensors that communicate with Bluetooth-enabled smart devices by continuously advertising their location using a Bluetooth low energy radio transmitter.

Augment Virtual Reality – One of the most successful real-world uses of interactive digital storytelling is augmented reality. It gives museums the chance to constantly create new experiences to try to get people to visit more than once. 

Sustainability –

Environmental sustainability forms the core principle of design and provides the undelaying value that informs every aspect of design. It is addressed by employing passive and active technologies in conjunction to achieve an effective and comprehensive solution. Some of the technologies that have been used in the museum are-

· Photovoltaic Panels

· Filler Slabs-High Thermal Mass

· Grey Water Treatment

· Rain Water Harvesting

· Locally Available Materials

· Natural Daylight and Ventilation

· Cooling Micro-Climate

Passive Technologies – Site planning, solar orientation, building envelop and space efficiency is used as essential parameters to achieve efficiency through passive means.

Active Technologies – Grey water recycling through a soil based technology for treatment reduces water usage for horticulture. Vertical cores are used as cooling towers that cool the internal spaces through evaporative cooling. Solar PV panels are used on roof-tops to generate electricity for lighting purpose.

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