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Unveiling dramatic ancient history of the Pachyrhinosaurus within the spectacular architecture of a new museum.
The Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum
Wembley, Alberta, Canada
Services
Media Planning, Media Design, Art Direction, UX /UI Design, Interactive Media, Immersive Media, 3D Modelling, 3D Animation, Editing, Copywriting, Sound Design, Original Score, Print Design.
Industry
Museum
2015
Introduction
Located near the Pipestone Creek bonebed in Wembley, Alberta, the museum contains numerous fossils from the Late Cretaceous to the Early Paleocene epoch. The bonebed was initially discovered by local school teacher Al Lakusta in 1974, whofound bones belonging to Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai. Thousands of fossils have been subsequently unearthed and the area would come to be known as The River of Death. Fundraising for the project were assisted by Canadian actor Dan Aykroyd, and designed by the Canadian offices of Stephen Teeple Architects
A visitor engages with the interactive, while palaeontologist Philip Currie and actress Donna Dixon look on (opening day).
Pachyrhinosaurus skeleton on bonebed
Build a Dinosaur Interactive
Located at the bonebed reconstruction at the main entry, visitors are encouraged to fabricate a Pachyrhinosaurus skeleton. As pieces are correctly placed, information appears outlining its significance within the skeleton.
The Requirements
The media design exhibits are to highlight global climate patterns and life forms during the Late Cretacious Period, with specific attention to Pachyrhinosaurus and the particular climate event responsible for the death of these dinosaurs in the Pipestone Creek area. As one moves through the museum the content focuses on the earlier Devonian period of the Earth's evolution. Current research and lab work at the museum are to be displayed. Our design and media exhibits are to provide a unique look into Earth's past and present, allowing visitors will walk away with an enhanced understanding of our planet's history.
CT Scan Interactive
An immersive group experience showcasing the movement of a remotely operated vehicle commanded by scientists to explore the ocean depths for new life forms.
The Design Foundation collaborated closely with the Museum Director, curators, and scientists to design exhibits that were both informative and compelling for visitors. Through research and testing, our team was able to identify the ideal ways to communicate the museum's content to its visitors. We designed interactive elements to keep visitors engaged and stimulate learning. The exhibits were designed to create an emotional connection between the visitor and the content. Through colour, sound, and other sensory elements, our team worked to create an immersive experience that would stay with visitors long after they left the museum. Our dedication to creating these immersive experiences has helped shape the museum's reputation as one of the top dinosaur museums.
The Response
Monitor at
Pachyrhinosaurus
skeleton plinth.
Monitor at Gorogosaurus plinth (left). Panorama of space including Chase scene interactive (below)
Dinosaur Chase Scene
The central space of the museum is dedicated to the fossils unearthed at Pipestone Creek - namely those of Gorgosaurus, Hypacrasaurus and Pachyrhinosaurus. Large monitors reveal how these skeletons may have appeared when alive. At particular moments during the animation, a chase occurs, where the Gorgosaurus, the only carnivore, pursues his prey - disappearing from its screen and appearing in the environments of the other animals. Custom sound design and music heighten the experience in the space.
The Result
The Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum has had tremendous success since opening in 2015. Its exhibit results have exceeded expectations, drawing in over 100,000 visitors in its first 11 months of operation. This makes the museum a great part of a larger plan to make Wembley a destination stop for palaeontology tourists who also visit similar venues in British Columbia. The museum also offers educational programs and activities, as well as special events and screenings for the public. In 2014, Azure magazine credited the design of the museum building, designed by Teeple Architects. In 2015, the opening was recognized as one of the top museum openings world wide by Condé Nast Traveler. The Currie Museum is an outstanding success and a must-see destination for anyone who loves dinosaurs and design.
Interactive in situ.
Search filters allow users to specify genus, location or time periods.
Recent Finds Interactive
Scientific findings that occur locally or internationally can be examined to engage users in a journey of discoveries being made across the globe. The creation of a content management system allows curatorial staff to create and modify pages in perpetuity.
Museum Curator Dr. Matthew Hearne exploring Tylosaurus
Augmented Reality Viewers
Visitors are allowed to manipulate a monitor which will give them access to specific information regarding one of several skeletons suspended from the ceiling of the main hall. Once all of the "hot spots" have been activated, a virtual fleshed out version of the animal appears. Dan Aykroyd, Donna Dixon, Philip Currie and guests (at right) make use of the interactive opening day.
Pachyrhinosaurus 3D model (at right and below)
Gorgosaurus 3D model
Animation includes an original music soundtrack, and sound design and effects.
Text overlay is inspired by Ed Ruscha art works.
Overture Animation
At the entry level, located by a bonebed reconstruction, resides an introduction animation, highlighting the question of what occurred in the area of Pipestone creek millions of years ago? The animation explores the most likely scenario of a climate event - a flood that trapped many dinosaurs in their escape, leading to their demise.
