project
05
Remain Aquarium
results
64% Membership Lift • $150K+ Captial Gifts
Transforming Space Into A Wonderland
DELIGHTING GUESTS
Over my four years at Discovery World, I led various stages of content creation and graphics for 22 exhibits in a 6,000.s.f. aquarium under Lake Michigan. The final installation is inspired from Japanese destination gardens, as visitor follow the course of the S/V Sullivan from Milwaukee to the Caribbean.
The result uses color gradients as the foundational design system (Fresh vs Salt water,) line work and digital touchscreens for an immersive space.
3 mos
Exhibit Planning, Graphics, Content Design, Digital UX/UI, Signage, Writing
The Challenge
One of 15 Major Science and Technology Exhibits at Discovery World. Located under the waters of Lake Michigan, this 35K sq ft space follows the journey of The S/V Sullivan Schooner from the shores of Milwaukee to the waters of the Caribbean.
With 20 plus exhibits over 6000 sq. ft., on multiple levels I looked to the forms and mastery of Japanese gardens for inspiration Identifying ways to tell the story of the S/V Sullivan in a manner that is appealing to the eye, frames the interior lit exhibits and guides them through a narrative journey.
A large space with various surfaces, environmental conditions and exhibits who species are updated and flex. We needed to welcome museum visitors by day and keeping the space elegant for events and rentals by night.
The Job
Develop a full graphics, digital interactives and education package while maintaining revenue appeal in a public space.
The space was divided into two section Freshwater & salt water exhibits using color to identify where on the Sullivan's journey you were.
Identifying 3 audiences Kids, Adults and Events (Corp, Private, Public) the approach needed to be fun and elevated.
The team worked with the Aquarium staff, architects, and fabrication vendors to produce, develop and fabricate coated steel, vinyl, and pvc pieces that would withstand the brutal environmental and human use conditions inside the space.
Behind the Scenes
The first installation, the Main Sign at 20 ft wide, and sits between the first floor and space below the waters of the lake. Located on the far side of the Great Lakes exhibit and along the windows, that face the walking path.
It is 2x steel rolled. First following the curve of the building, and the second set of curves to symbolize the waves of the lakes and oceans. Internally lit, the Reiman Aquarium sign is a show piece both inside and outside the building.
The team also explored various line styles based on Japanese rock gardens (which symbolize water) and we build models to help c-suite and stakeholders understand the types of signage and techniques applied to the graphics package.
