Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi: A Mesmerizing Oceanic Symphony in the Heart of Vietnam's Capital
In the realm of aquatic wonders, Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi stands as a testament to the seamless integration of design, construction, and operational expertise. As a prime example of a full turnkey project, the collaboration between ICM (International Concept Management) and Lotte Group has birthed a colossal spectacle, featuring over 67 unique aquatic exhibits for more than 31,000 creatures.
Concept to Completion: ICM's Holistic Approach
The Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi project showcases ICM’s prowess as the main designer and contractor, orchestrating a symphony of creativity and technical acumen from the project’s conceptualization to its full realization. With a total system water volume exceeding 4 million liters and spanning across an expansive 9,094 m2 facility, this endeavor presented both a challenge and an opportunity.
ICM’s commitment to providing a turnkey solution goes beyond the traditional boundaries. The company not only conceptualized and designed the aquarium but also undertook all construction works, encompassing civil works, water concrete works, and specialized concrete specifications.
Apart from the aquarium specialists’ works, ICM Design & Engineering Department was capable of delivering a holistic experience in all areas including Branding, Signage, and Wayfinding but also all the Theatrical Lighting effects and the scenography of the most iconic areas of the premise like the Village Butterflies, the iconic “Entrance Lobby” with a wooden Ca Ong creature, or the representation of Ca Ong Temple near the beach in south Vietnam linking to local culture. Already being the most Instagramed place of the project: the “Coral Garden & Dangers of the Deep” Areas minimize the size of visitors and dive them into a “coral jungle” in a violet atmosphere captivating all kids & families as well as in the “jellies reflections room”.
ICM also developed from the initial concept until the Media Production of the Ca Ong story and the 1-minute video displayed at the beginning of the journey. ICM specialists worked around all Audio & Video Equipment to deliver an excellent and captivating result and delivered all products safely to the site even at the most difficult times of the last years with the pandemic situations affecting all over the world. The complexity of the project required a seamless collaboration among various ICM departments over the years, resulting in a fully operational facility.
The Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi is not merely an aquatic spectacle; it is an immersive experience. ICM’s involvement extended to animal stocking and operational advice services, ensuring that the facility was handed over as a well-oiled machine to Lotte Group, an experienced client in the realm of entertainment and hospitality.
The Heart of the Ocean: The Shipwreck and Beyond
Central to the aquarium’s allure is a 2-million-liter salt tank, a masterpiece that beckons visitors with its 19x7m concave viewing panel. What sets this tank apart is its thematic centerpiece—“The Shipwreck.” This innovative addition not only provides an experiential element to the visit but also serves as a dramatic backdrop to the main viewing panel, captivating the imagination of onlookers.
Beyond the salt tank, the aquarium boasts a 570,000-liter Mekong River freshwater tank, a dynamic showcase featuring a formidable dragon amidst indigenous fish species. The aquarium’s layout orchestrates a journey through distinct themed zones, offering an engaging narrative that entertains and educates visitors simultaneously.
Thematic Zones: A Journey Through Vietnamese Cultural Character
Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi is not just a collection of tanks; it is a carefully curated journey through diverse themed zones, each telling a unique story. Divided into four expansive areas—“Fresh Town,” “Beach Walk,” “Sea Adventure,” and “Ocean Square”—the aquarium immerses guests in an exploration of Vietnamese cultural character, guided by the presence of Ca Ong.
- Fresh Town: This zone transports visitors to the tops of mountains, where freshwater ecosystems come to life. The vivid display of flora and fauna showcases the delicate balance of nature, providing a glimpse into the diverse habitats that thrive in freshwater environments.
- Beach Walk: Moving across lands, visitors find themselves on a virtual beach walk, surrounded by marine life that inhabits coastal regions. From playful seals to vibrant coral reefs, this zone captures the essence of the dynamic interactions between land and sea.
- Sea Adventure: The adventure continues as guests plunge into the depths of the seas. With mesmerizing exhibits featuring exotic deep-sea creatures and underwater landscapes, Sea Adventure takes visitors on a thrilling exploration of the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean’s surface.
- Ocean Square: The journey culminates in Ocean Square, a grand space that encapsulates the vastness of the ocean. Here, the aquarium’s diverse marine life converges, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the world’s oceans.
Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi, with its thematic brilliance and meticulous execution, stands as a beacon of ICM’s capability to blend creativity, engineering, and operational efficiency into a seamless and awe-inspiring experience. As visitors traverse through the aquarium’s thematic zones, they not only witness the wonders of the aquatic world but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture. The whole premise includes over 31,000 individuals and over 400 species.