Location: Kansas City, MO

Client: Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium

Size: 650,000 gallons

A new aquarium building at the Kansas City Zoo takes visitors on a journey through the earth's oceans, starting with the Gulf of Mexico, and ending at the Pacific Northwest coast via the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Sulu Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they see habitats and animals from warm ocean waters to deep, cold regions.

Space Haus was the lead exhibit designer for the animal habitats, interpretation, and wayfinding for the entire building. Working in close collaboration with San Francisco architecture firm EHDD, our team coordinated the exhibit components with engineering, life support systems, lighting and AV.

Per the zoo's direction, the spaces and exhibits were designed for young children and their families. Many of the focus tanks are low enough for preschool children to view, while interpretive panels are kept to a Grade 5 reading level. Large wall graphics and bright colors bring the spaces to life and enhance the exhibits.