Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
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The designs are creative, innovative and will achieve the objective of designing
an engaging experience on a budget. We are confident that our visitors will enjoy the new designs!
Randy R. Wisthoff, Director, Kansas City Zoo
DI had a hand in a variety of major design components for the KC Zoo & Aquarium, including signage and wayfinding, the Discovery Barn, Tropics Building, and the recently added Sobela Ocean Aquarium. The sign design solution ultimately involved a family of signs incorporating aspects of existing architecture, with varieties created from painted aluminum, vinyl, rough-hewn cedar and steel base plates.
For both the Discovery Barn and Tropics Building, we worked alongside BBN Architects and zoo staff to develop engaging activities for children that would be fun and educational. The final concept provided children an opportunity to emulate the animals in the exhibits. Featuring various animals and hands-on activities, these learning play elements create an engaging and educational experience.
We also created KC Joe, a fictitious character who leads families through a tropical adventure to learn about flora and fauna through the use of games and didactics.
The Sobela Ocean Aquarium was constructed by JE Dunn and gives visitors an upclose look at the wonderous world underwater. DI was tasked with fabricating and printing the specialty graphics, educational content and signage throughout the space.
Learn more about Brand Storytelling, Branded Facility Design, Exhibit Planning and Design, and Large-Scale Graphics.
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Carole Hollman
Practice Director - Cultural
With over 13 years of experience in the museum design/build world, Carole has successfully led and facilitated large-scale exhibit and interpretive projects of national importance around the country for over a decade. Carole’s passion... more about Carole Hollman