Seal and Sealion Exhibit, National Zoo - DC

The national zoo is in the process of refurbishing an existing seal and sea lion exhibit. Visitors encounter the seals and sea lions at different view points, from on the beach to under the water. Messaging looks how these animals spend time on land and in water and therefore the interface of these two environments is crucial to their survival. The following images are from the schematic design report.

Responsibilities included: graphic design and documentation. Project completed while employed with The Portico Group.

This page describes the design approach for the main entrance landmark and sign. Glass, representative of the fluid nature of water, contains text and supports shillouetted forms of seals and sea lions, emphasizing their natural beauty. Edge lighting adds an elegant touch to this entrance sign.

These species ID panels emphasize the two world's seals and sea lions inhabit, the water and the land. Layering of graphics and images on different substrates adds dimension to flat graphics.

This "flip panel" is a low-tech interactive that allows visitors to engage with the panel. All graphics in the exhibit are designed with a strict adherence to a visual language allowing graphics to vary in style and design but belong to the same family and ultimately the exhibit experience as a whole.

This work including text, images and photos by Wing Fong is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.designbywingfong.com.