The Florida Scrub is a desert-like habitat that exists in small patches scattered around the state. Scrub only represents a small fraction of the Florida’s total land area, but it plays a vital role in the recharge of the state’s ground water resources and is home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. The goal of the Lyonia Environmental Center is to raise public awareness about this endangered habitat and promote its preservation.
ThemeWorks was contracted to provide exhibits including dioramas and interactive displays that explore the geology, hydrology, and biology of the scrub habitat and illustrate why its preservation is important to both animals and people alike.
The exhibit includes a large central diorama that illustrates the fire cycle of the scrub habitat. The diorama is brought to life by detailed models of scrub plants and animals. Guests are invited to reach into burrows embedded in the diorama and use touch to identify the animal models that are hidden inside. The sound made by each animal is played by an audio device hidden in the burrow which the guests unknowingly trigger as they reach in. The surprised reaction of a person who’s up to their elbow in an animal burrow which is suddenly emanating a loud rattling sound provides an element of humor and excitement that helps capture the attention and imagination of exhibit goers. Exhibit highlights include a three dimensional geological model that is animated using fiber optics to illustrate the hydrological cycle and pneumatics to demonstrate the formation of a sink hole. Another display enables guests to filter water through various materials to demonstrate why the scrub’s sandy soil is so efficient at absorbing rainwater and returning into the aquifer.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: Lyonia Environmental Center
Designer: Hammer Media/ThemeWorks, Inc.
Client: Volusia County, Florida
Size: 4,000 square feet (372 m²) of exhibit space
Photography: LeGrand Photograph