Nature Detectives

Giving young children the tools they need to observe the natural world is at the core of the Nature Detectives exhibit at the Museum of Science and Curiosity in Sacramento, CA. As part of the design team, I was given the chance to design and develop interactive experiences that showed kids how they can use their senses, and a few everyday tools, to gain a much better understanding of the world around them.

Visitors can learn about the layered complexity of the sounds of the forest, the intrinsic complexity of animal movement, explore how animals live all around them, and gain tools to observe nature like a scientist would.

I was given the opportunity to work on an all–new signature exhibit for the California Museum in Sacramento that explores the history of Chinese Americans in California from the Gold Rush to the present day.

“Gold Mountain: Chinese California Stories” tells the story of Chinese immigrants over the past 150 years. In their stories, visitors see the contribution that Californians of Chinese descent have made to the state’s economy, governance, and culture; all while triumphing over racism and other obstacles with ingenuity and perseverance.

Role

Director of Design

Role

Lead 3D Designer + Director of Design + Project Manager

Employer

West Office Exhibition Design

Employer

West Office Exhibition Design

Client

Museum of Science and Curiosity, Sacramento CA

Client

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, Sacramento CA

Team Members

Steve Wiersema (Principal)
Ozan Sirvanlioglu (3D Designer)
Henrike Yama (Graphic Designer)
Jonah Most (Content Developer)

Team Members

Steve Wiersema (Principal)
Ozan Sirvanlioglu (3D Designer)
Henrike Yama (Graphic Designer)
Jonah Most (Content Developer)

Duration

32 Months

Duration

32 Months

Size

2,100 sq. ft.

Size

2,100 sq. ft.

Photos

Photos courtesy of West Office.

Photos

Photos curtesy of West Office.

In this interactive exhibit, visitors can select from a number of different animal behaviors and see how closely they can match the behavior using a slow-motion recorder and video playback.

As the visitors walk into the space, they are greeted by a twelve-foot, three-dimensional map of California. This interactive experience allows visitors to explore the complexity of California’s water system and the challenges faced by the state.

Throughout the space visitors can observe live animals including lizards, millipedes, tarantulas, frogs, and a full beehive.

A custom-made card game provides visitors with a chance to learn about the local wildlife while participating in a fun group activity that is appropriate for all ages.

A drawing station provides young visitors with the opportunity to learn the basics of drawing different animals by providing a step-by-step guide to drawing the four animals displayed in the enclosure.

Process

After helping finalize the initial concepts for the Nature Detectives gallery, my direct involvement with the project decreased until it was time to jump into final design. While in the concept design phase, I helped set the color and materials pallet for the space, develop the concept behind different exhibits, and helped define the graphic language for the space.

Once the final design phase kicked off, I help oversee the production of the bidding documents, the media briefs, the sculpting for the different animals, and interfaced with the architects and general contractors in regards to the building renovation.

During the production phase I spent most of my time reviewing graphics for approval, addressing issues that arouse during the fabrication process, and overseeing the installation of the final exhibits within the newly renovated building.