SUMMIT LAKE NATURE CENTER
exhibit DESIGN built in a repurposed pump house
Key Features
A creative, bright, and welcoming space that invites participation and engagement
Modular exhibits and software designs so that content can be easily updated
Live animal exhibits that accommodate husbandry needs
The Need
Nestled on the shores of Akron’s Summit Lake, Summit Metro Park desired to turn a historic pump house into a gathering space for community members to meet, learn, and enjoy nature-related activities. The client sought an exhibit program that included inspirational experiences coupled with engaging but updateable interpretive content. The design intent was to both explain Summit Lake’s ecosystem and communicate the complex narratives and social issues the community faces.
The Approach
Tessellate was tasked with telling the lake’s long history - from the original Indigenous culture, to its days as an amusement park, to dark times when Black inhabitants were ignored and the lake was polluted, to present day efforts to make the lake a healthy recreational destination. The highly visual exhibits, as well as the software system, are designed to be easily updatable. The design also accommodates animal husbandry needs for live animal experiences.
“The Tessellate team was professional, patient, timely, and committed to this project. The design team and the design process was collaborative, creative, and thoughtful. They helped us organize the narratives and the content for the Nature Center. We would not have been able to bring this vision to life without them.”
Demetrius Falconer, Chief of Community Engagement, Summit Metro Parks
Completed - July 2021
Team
Tessellate - Interpretive Planning, Exhibit Design, Interactive Design, Visual Design, Content Design & Development, Software Development, Production and Installation Oversight
Emily Conrad - Lead Experience Design
Valerie Taylor - Content Development
Mary Skinner - Visual Design
Explus - Fabrication