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 & Site Visit
User research was central in our design process. Site visits included a tour with park officials to understand the park's context and a visit to Plantentuin Meise to observe best practices in interactive exhibition design, directly informing the development of engaging visitor experiences.
Research
Our class conducted extensive research on various aspects of Vrijbroekpark to inform our design process. Divided into groups, we delved into specific topics, and with my group we focused 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 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, I was chosen to be part of the team that organize the 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
We focused on Designing an inclusive and engaging visitor experience for Vrijbroekpark, prioritizing accessibility for all ages and abilities. Incorporated interactive exhibits, including a "do-booklet" for guided exploration, and multi-sensory elements to cater to diverse learning styles. The design promotes environmental awareness through sustainable materials and educational exhibits, reflecting the park's commitment to ecological health.
Design Concept
Final Design
