this page still under construction 

Development of Dune Ecosystem Exhibit (ongoing)



As of 7/15/2008 I have been commissioned to develop the concept document (and later production) of a "Life Beneath the Dunes" exhibit in a museum in California.  Upon approval, the exhibit will feature research on dune ecosystems, large-format flat graphics, a 3-D interactive dune, and a small learning center.  The exhibit will be designed for travel and target young audiences.  In addition, audio and interactive visual aid will be incorporated.  Photos and llinks to the museum will be posted here upon completion.



ESRI International User Conference



Featured at the 2003 ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) International user Conference in San Diego, I designed the 30 x 30 foot exhibit consisting of several Smithsonian GIS programs.  These exhibits consisted of recongifured framed towers upon which posters and exhibit items were installed.  Plants were brought in to establish a tropical theme.  Additionally, computer stations, LCD presentation areas, and information tables were incorporated.  Graphics and assembly of this exhibit also came from co-workers, Mike Lara and Mario Castellanos.



The Solid Terrain Modeling (STM) company created and awarded the Amazon GIS Project a 8 x 4 foot scale model of the Amazon region, which was the centerpeice for this exhibit area.  The STM was at a 1:1 ratio scale on the actual curvature of the earth.  Elevation data was enhanced 5x.  Composite Landsat image printed on top revealing true land cover (2002 data).  I co-coordinated the imagery with the National Geographic Society and Solid Terrain Modeling to produce this landuse imagery file.The Solid Terrain Model provides a touchable surface which acts as an incredible centerpiece to promote further use of geospatial tools for tropical ecosystem conservation.







The Amazon GIS Project Lab































Located at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park in the Amazonia Science Gallery, I designed the interior of the Amazon GIS Project Laboratory by removing a previous installation, mounting the STM model in the background, positionting appropriate GIS computer stations and various visually appealing decor from the Amazon region.  Cabinetry and the ability to remove the glass wall divider was pre-established.  This lab can be approached by visitors who can then interact with staff scientists and/or educators.  See Grpahic Design page for interior.




Tropical Seed Display, hands-on 

Seeds donated by Dr. Scott Mori, of the New York Botanical Garden ,were used to convert an artists paint tray into a seed display from the family Lecythidaceae.  I created the backgorund graphic, obtained the seeds, inserted all items into the tray.  The sections on the base of the tray contain the artist's rendition of the seeds placed there (artist: Lori Discoe) so they can returned easily by younger audiences.  the whole tray folds up with snapping locks for easy travel and mobility around the Amazonia Science Gallery.

  




















































Brazil Nut Display, pull-out drawer

With a focus on Amazonia and Brazil, I created a Brazil nut display using standard flat graphics adhered to foam cor, which is cut, bent for a depression (where seeds are) and balanced from underneath with larger foam cor brace.  Seeds are loose and fill the graphic for a natural and organic display.
































Ocelot night camera display, pull-out drawer:

Internally lit whenn pulled out.  Printed in reverse on plastic, transluscent film, flipped so that print is protected.  Areas for slides cut out on film for maximum light exposure underneath.  Since this is how actual slides are viewed, I thought it would be good for a visitor to use it in the same way - with supportive graphics.  Designed for exploration by kids at ground level.  Reesarch covers personal work from South Texas - ocelot remote-sensing camera study.













Flourescent mineral display:

These minerals were on loan from the National Museum of Natural Hostory's Department of Gems and Minerals.  The display features rocks and minerals that flouresce under black lights, which I installed above the mineral, but out of sight from viewers (Plexi-glass is a safeguard against harmful wavelengths).  Creates great ambience when room is turned down for seminar and lecture presentations.