formula D_, a producer of internationally recognised and renowned visitor experiences, has shared its insights into the meaning of ‘experiences that matter’.
“Great design has the potential to influence positive change. It can be a catalyst for shifting behaviours, educating and mobilising citizens to make more informed decisions. The way in which we approach science communication through exhibit design is based on the premise that people belong within the natural ecosystem of life, and do not live in separation from it,” says the firm.
“Therefore, our work is centred around the visitor, to create an experience that will both educate and empower the individual to live a more sustainable life.”
Exhibits that empower
Designing an excellent exhibit begins with the end in mind. formula D_ suggests that three questions can be posed during the ideation stage of a new project:
- What sustainability issues would our client like to address or speak to?
- What impact will the design have on the individual visitor?
- What do we want people to take away from the exhibit?
“The answers to these questions will steer our design towards creating experiences that prompt meaningful connections that aim to demonstrate the importance of finding solutions to the world’s most pressing sustainability issues,” the firm explains. “Our mission is clear, we create experiences that empower people and the planet, and this needs to be demonstrated in our work.”
So how can this be put into practice? formula D_ offers some examples.
The Immersive Gulf Stream Experience
“The world’s largest ecosystem, the ocean plays a massive role towards human wellbeing, our economy, and future sustainability. Healthy and balanced ocean ecosystems provide food, boost tourism and regulate climate,” says the firm. “Unfortunately, many of our ocean ecosystems are overfished, polluted with microplastics, and are subject to an array of human anthropogenic impacts.”
Recent studies indicate that rising ocean temperatures are causing heat stress in 75% of the world’s coral reefs. Bleaching, which occurs when coral expels vital algae in reaction to heat stress, has also had a significant impact on 30% of these reefs.
formula D_ was tasked with creating an interactive audiovisual experience to educate citizens about the significance of ocean ecosystems to our daily lives.
The Immersive Gulf Stream Experience is an interactive projection environment measuring 18 metres in length and 3 metres in height. It highlights the impact of the warm water on the food chain and fish schooling behaviours.
Visitors to the virtual Gulf Stream projection encounter three-dimensional animations of rarely seen aquatic species. This design aims to teach visitors about the ocean environment while also fostering meaningful connections with the ecosystem’s diverse animals.
The River of Grass
“Moving onto our coastal environments,” continues formula D_, “wetlands play a crucial role in flood prevention, climate regulation, and water quality and provide a habitat for millions of aquatic and terrestrial species.
“Wetlands like the Everglades in Florida are some of the World’s most biodiverse environments. However, this environment has come under threat with nearby development affecting natural water flow, agricultural run-off, and with the introduction of invasive aquatic species. About 1.7 million acres of the Everglades have been invaded by non-native plants, such as the Brazilian Peppertree, Chinese privet, the broad-leaved paperbark tree or “melaleuca”, and Old-World climbing fern.”
The River of Grass exhibition teaches young children about the Everglade’s unique and vulnerable ecosystem. Children can interact and play with a huge interactive wall and floor projection system which stimulates understanding of Florida’s endangered wetland ecosystem. Visitors can immerse themselves in this environment to see animal activity across all times of day and night.
“For our younger audiences, we built River of Grass to increase an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Everglades so that when they grow older, they make the correct choices in addressing the sustainability issues around this eco system,” adds the firm.
Roper Mountain Science Center
“One of the greatest sustainability issues of our current time is the waste that we generate,” adds formula D_. “We all know that recycling is the right thing to do, but many of us do not know the mechanics of recycling different materials, what the circular economy is, and how important it is for us to divert waste from landfills.”
Roper Mountain Science Center in South Carolina, US, commissioned formula D_ to create a ‘Waste Wall’ exhibit featuring ordinary food products and a barcode scanner. Visitors can use this to scan different goods and learn about how products and packaging enter the waste management system. The activity enhances understanding of the waste management system – including what can be recycled and what should be disposed of.
Waste source separation is one of the most fundamental aspects of sustainable waste management. Separating waste into solid recyclables, organic waste, electronic waste, and landfill waste improves waste management and increases the value of recyclables by requiring fewer resources (water and energy) to recirculate them into the market.
“Through creating meaningful connections with different environments and species, understanding our impact on the world, and investigating solutions to the many different sustainability issues that face us – we can become empowered to join the collective action that is needed for sustainable development. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires active citizenship,” formula D_ explains.
Earlier this month, formula D_ explored how inclusive interpretation can help to democratise museums and heritage.
“History is not a monolithic narrative, but a tapestry woven from various threads of experiences, perspectives, and interpretations,” says a spokesperson from the firm. “Museums and heritage sites, as custodians of this tapestry, stand as contested spaces where divergent viewpoints converge. They serve as repositories of collective memory, preserving artifacts and narratives that hold diverse meanings for different individuals and communities.”
