Beyond the Glass Walls: an Exploration of Sensory and Biomorphic Design of Aquarium in Jakarta

Humans and nature have always coexisted. However, humans have increasingly developed and distanced themselves from nature over time. Learning through physical experiences is also being forgotten due to the ease of obtaining information in the present era. Yet, physical experience is something crucial. This research examines how sensory architecture can be utilized in the design of public aquariums to create a more profound experience for visitors and enhance interactivity and relationships among visitors and aquatic life. The research methodology is a precedent, qualitative case study method involving literature reviews, case studies, and field studies. The design method employed in this research is the biomorphic method. The indicators for this study include circulation types, sensory design, and biomorphic architecture. Case studies discussed in this thesis include Nifrel Interactive Aquazoo, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and teamLab Planets Tokyo. The chosen site for this research is a coastal site on Ebony Island, Pantai Indah Kapuk. This research analysis proposes aquarium design strategies with sensory and biomorphic design aspects, also considering the surrounding environment of the site. The organism chosen for the biomorphic building form in this research is coral reefs. The result of this research is an aquarium building design that implements sensory design in animal exhibitions and features a biomorphic form of coral reefs visible from both the exterior and interior of the building.