Biomuseo, Panama

Biomuseo / Tellart

An Interactive Exhibit to Honor Panama’s Biodiversity

In this immersive celebration of biodiversity, visitors embark on an unforgettable journey. They delve into the depths of the ocean, traverse through vibrant rainforests, and ascend to panoramic heights, offering a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Panama's diverse landscapes. This exploration not only highlights the natural splendor but also honors Panama's rich cultural heritage, inviting visitors to connect deeply with the essence of the country within the museum's walls.

This curated experience was structured around three main narratives: "Oceans Divided," "Living Web," and "Panama as the Museum." As the technology director, I played an active role in assisting and guiding the team through the design and construction of interactive elements. My focus was primarily on the story-driven software and hardware components that shaped the visitor journey. Additionally, I supported the installation and execution of the project, ensuring its longevity and sustainability as it continues to thrive.

Oceans Divided 

The journey starts here, at the ground level, where guests step into a softly illuminated, intimate environment. An engaging soundscape envelops them, simulating an underwater adventure as if they've plunged into the depths of the sea. On either side of the gallery, two grand aquariums symbolize the oceans that were divided when Panama emer

Living Web 

As guests move up to the following gallery, the auditory experience transitions from soothing ocean sounds to the lively chirps of birds and buzzing insects. They find themselves in a vibrant, expansive room, surrounded by a grand sculpture representing the Panamanian rainforest. Throughout this area, audio narratives and interactive exhibits reveal the intriguing stories of the rainforest, enhancing visitors' understanding of the complex relationships between its diverse species.

Panama as the Museum 

The concluding gallery marks the peak of the experience. As guests ascend the staircase, they are greeted by a dynamic, illuminated floor that unfolds ahead, featuring a striking sculpture representing Panama. Entering the gallery, their footsteps activate flowing patterns across the floor that lead to a detailed map. Each movement unveils an image on the sculpture, reflecting the various aspects of Panama's vibrant culture. As more people wander through the area, the map becomes increasingly adorned with representations of the nation’s rich cultural and natural legacy.

Instead of merely summarizing the museum visit, this gallery seeks to ignite the wanderlust in its guests. Experiences like savoring ceviche at a nearby market, creating a mola, or paddling through the jungle highlight that the real treasures of exploration are just beyond the gallery’s doors, eager to be uncovered.

Design Process 

The team’s early visits to Panama and the Biomuseo were crucial for developing their site-specific designs. By experiencing the rich biodiversity of the rainforest firsthand and observing the museum’s distinctive light and architectural elements, they were able to shape the overall narrative and design of the interactive installations.

The design process was highly iterative, involving prototyping and testing both in the workshop and on-site. We worked closely with the museum to ensure that the stories conveyed were not only engaging but also scientifically accurate.

Creating the final immersive gallery posed significant design and production challenges. The installation incorporated 25 projectors that were seamlessly integrated into a dynamic, interactive augmented environment. Due to its complexity, the team could not test the entire setup until the final installation. Instead, they relied on a combination of small-scale tests, computer simulations, and flexible parametric design tools to prepare everything for deployment.