Zoological Exhibits
design narratives for Denver Zoo
Story Concept
OASIS
Nature of Water
Stingray and Shark, Flamingo and Sea Lion Habitats
by
Justin Stucey
Environment
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Zoo of the future
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A desert landscape outlines a tall perimeter wall made of steel
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Inside are plants, animals, sculpture, and a
sophisticated water treatment system designed into the beauty
of the landscape
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Water is the inspiration for all design cues, and forms (Liquid, Mist, Ice) throughout the exhibit
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Cultural art helps to reposition the story as the collection
rotates seasonally; Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter
Story
Humans have disrupted balance with nature. Climate change, habitat destruction, and ocean pollution shape a future filled with harsh realities and technological marvels. Coastal civilizations have vanished and wild animal populations now dwindle. Many animals exist in protected havens around the globe. People have developed ways to live sustainable lives and made a commitment to protect life on earth, and beyond. Cherished animals live under the watchful eye of Animal Care Specialists, Naturalists, and Volunteers. Innovative technology recycles water within OASIS which is powered by solar and biomass energy. Zoo staff provide individualized physical and emotional care to animals that live in multiview, interactive, beautiful environments. Interpretive signage follows history to show a timeline of missed opportunities that connect to the loss of animals in the future.
Social Media (Communication from OASIS to the World)
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On This Day In History posts highlight milestones(Facebook)
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Follow the day in the life of a popular animal
individual(Instagram)
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Friendly public service announcement to demonstrate best
practices (YouTube)
Story Treatment
WATERWAYS
An interactive Shark and Stingray experience featuring Mexican
art and culture.
Based on the exhibit story “OASIS: Nature of Water”
By
Justin Stucey
Art Features
● Interpretive look and feel (Pop Art)
● Wall Art (Under the Sea of Cortez)
● Sand Sculpture (Seasonal designs)
Guest Experience
A self-guided tour filled with beautiful landscaping, cultural art displays, ethnic foods, and animal encounters. Visitors go behind the scenes to learn about the innovative technology and staff that provide world-class care for a variety of sharks and stingray species. A portion of all sales go to fund aquatic animal conservation efforts in La Paz, Mexico.
Story Treatment
The sign above a ticket kiosks reads “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water” - Loren Eiseley
CSU Zoology students serve as greeters to help visitors’ book tours and answer questions.
Guests enter a desert-inspired landscape to begin their journey at a confluence of culture.
A stream of water designed to support plant growth and to attract small migratory birds and colorful insects align a dirt path into the exhibit.
Select stones on the East wall are painted gold as a nod to our earth connection. A vibrant colorful mural with glistening metallic accents is seen across the pool. The rear wall features a large mosaic of bottles inspired by the coastline of Southern Baja California.
In the middle is where the desert and ocean meet in a community beach inspired gathering place, complete with outdoor furniture, sand art, seasonal gourmet street food, and souvenir sales. A sign written above the beach entry reads “Donde termina el río y comienza el océano” which translated on the back reads “Where the river ends and the ocean begins”. A thank you sign at the exit reads in Spanish and English:
“Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.”
- Ryunosuke Satoro