Desinging an Engaging and Interactive Exhibition Space
How can we provide an engaging and interactive exhibition space within the current Vrijbroekhof for everyone.
Client
The Vrijbroekpark
Postgraduate Degree, Space and Service Design
Duration
6 months
Team Members
Mohamed Adkaich, Visual Designer (Morocco)
Eva Burger, Building & Construction Engineer (The Netherlands)
Brent Van Genechten , Interior Designer (Belgium)
Md Nabid Hasan Shovon, Architect (Bangladesh)
About the project
Nestled within the vibrant Vrijbroekpark, a provincial park on the outskirts of Mechelen, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This project, commissioned by the park itself, sought to transform the existing Vrijbroekhof brasserie into an immersive experience center, designed to engage visitors of all ages and abilities.
Our team embarked on a mission to create an inclusive space where visitors could delve into the park's rich history, diverse ecosystem, and sporting heritage, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainable practices. Through an interactive exhibition, the Vrijbroekpark Experience Center promises a journey of discovery and wonder for every visitor.
My role and responsibilities
While we all contributed to the service design process on this project, my role as visual designer was crucial in bringing our ideas to life. Working within our small, multidisciplinary team (an interior designer, architect, and construction engineer), I leveraged my skills to create a cohesive and engaging visual identity for the Vrijbroekpark Experience Center, including designing the new mascots, timeline, 3D projections, and project poster.
Service Safari
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's context and potential, we conducted two crucial site visits. First, we toured Vrijbroekpark with park officials, familiarizing ourselves with its diverse offerings and gaining insights into its unique character. This allowed us to identify key features and stories to highlight in the experience center.
Secondly, we visited Plantentuin Meise, a renowned botanical garden and exhibition space. This visit allowed us to experience an established park exhibition firsthand, observe visitor interactions, and gather inspiration for interactive learning elements.
Research
Our class conducted extensive research on various aspects of Vrijbroekpark to inform our design process. Divided into groups, we delved into specific topics, with my group focusing on "Researching the current and potential users of the Vrijbroekpark." This involved analyzing visitor demographics, understanding their needs and motivations, and identifying opportunities to enhance their experience. This user-centered approach ensured our design for the Experience Center would resonate with the park's diverse audience and cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.
To ensure our design resonated with the community and met the diverse needs of Vrijbroekpark's stakeholders, we organized a co-creation workshop. This collaborative session brought together community members, local organizations, and park officials to brainstorm ideas and contribute to the Experience Center's development. Through interactive activities and discussions, we gathered valuable insights and feedback, ensuring the final design reflected the community's vision and priorities.
Important Key Elements
Creating a Dynamic Space: We sought to design a space that was not only informative but also visually appealing and stimulating. This included creating a welcoming atmosphere, incorporating diverse exhibits, and ensuring a seamless flow between different areas of the center.
Engagement & Interactivity: We aimed to create a dynamic and immersive experience, incorporating interactive exhibits and activities that would captivate visitors and encourage exploration. This included elements like the "do-booklet" to guide visitors through the park and interactive displays within the exhibition.
Intergenerational & Inclusive: The design catered to visitors of all ages and abilities. This meant incorporating features like wheelchair accessibility, Braille translations, and multi-sensory exhibits to ensure everyone could enjoy the same enriching experience.
Sustainable Environment: Reflecting Vrijbroekpark's commitment to sustainability, we carefully considered the environmental impact of our design. This involved selecting sustainable materials and incorporating exhibits that educate visitors about the park's role in promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Design Concept
Final Design
Project Presentation and Exhibition
