Asia Trail IInterpretive Program

Our Process• Establish big messages with team of scientists,

animal managers and educators• Develop exhibit concepts• Research cultural references to create working

design palette• Define spaces along the trail for hands-on

exhibits, graphics, volunteer interactions • Prototype exhibits to refine messages, text,

visual elements• Travel to Asia to finalize exhibit concepts and

gather raw materials

More Process

• Select and manage contractors (exhibit fabricators, sculptors, illustrators, multimedia developers, etc.)

• Develop drawing package documenting all exhibit elements

• Review by internal team, external stakeholders• Fabricate and install exhibits

Key Messages

• Asia Trail animals are uniquely adapted to the habitats where they live.

• National Zoo science plays a key role in the global understanding of Asia Trail species.

• People are integral to the conservation of Asia’s wildlife and wild places.

Adaptations

• Animal and plant identification signs

• Built to Survive

• Log Books

• Sloth Bear diet graphics

• Bronze sculptures

• Balance branch

Animal and Plant ID Signs

Built to Survive

Log Books

Science

• Look Stations

• Camera Trap

• Panda House science exhibits

• Wild Signs

Look Stations

Camera Trap

Panda House

Wild Signs

Conservation

• Village Flats

• Dilemma Stations

• Conservation Geography

• Curiosity Stations

• Notes from the Field

• Conservation Props

Village Flats

Dilemma Stations

Conservation Geography

Curiosity Stations

Planning Principles

• Authentic voices and stories from Thailand, India and China

• Exhibit colors, design elements drawn from range countries’ cultures

• Flexible exhibit design can be updated, changed• Strong use of the Web as an interpretive tool• Emphasis on hands-on visitor experiences• Exhibit messages closely coordinated with

interpreter program

Colors and Motifs

Orientation Sign Tabs

Primary Exhibit Colors

Secondary Exhibit Colors

Contract Milestones

• July 29, 2005 – Kick-off meeting with fabricator

• Mid-April, 2006 – Fabrication complete

• Mid-June, 2006 – Installation complete

Note: Two months needed between site turnover and opening date.