State of Nature Exhibition

The State of Nature exhibition shares stories of native forests through the botanical paintings of Fanny Bertha Good. We enjoy projects like this because they let us use a wide range of skills.

The project had a tight deadline. Since the client’s in-house graphic designer was on leave and had completed only half the files, we stepped in to finish the design and illustration work before starting production.

Trees That Count

One key feature is the Trees That Count display wall, which highlights forest restoration work in Taranaki. It includes swiveling panels that reveal information. Additionally, a digital touchscreen shows progress, before-and-after photos, timelines, and facts. We built the wall from 12mm birch plywood, flatbed printed it, and coated it with polyurethane. The swinging lids use custom nylon bushes to ensure smooth movement and secure closure. We also repurposed the touchscreen table from a previous exhibit and painted it to match the plywood’s green color. Moreover, a mirrored acrylic panel and printed lettering invite visitors to get involved.

Wall Graphics and Stair Mural

Several walls feature printed graphics. Some cover entire walls, while others are cut graphics applied to painted surfaces. Importantly, all use recyclable Cyclone Wall X material. The stair mural brightens a corner with a large, photorealistic botanical painting printed on cast vinyl and laminated with a matte finish.

Frames and Label Rails

We designed reusable frames from white ash timber with matte white ACM backing and clear acrylic faces. The top panel is removable, so clients can update content easily. Frames and text panels hang using an aluminium Z-extrusion system that we designed in-house. Label rails are angled MDF boxes painted to match the walls. Finally, a VHB taped top rail locks in place for a clean finish.

Interactive Tree and Seat

Inside the gallery, we wrapped a concrete pillar with a tree design. Our designer created bark and moss textures from close-up photos of old trees. Two projectors cast animated foliage that appears to sway in the wind. The floor graphics use Digitac floor laminate. We reused the same bark texture on a seat near the listening post.

Plinth, Podium, and Discovery Tables

The information plinth and podium use painted MDF. Clear acrylic sides are flame-polished and held by powder-coated aluminium brackets. They display 3D printed object replicas and vinyl graphics about hanging ceiling objects. Discovery tables use repurposed angled wall tables. They include lift-up acrylic lids and 3D printed, laser-cut leaf shapes so visitors can explore size and texture.

This exhibition combined many signs, panels, cases, and interactive features to create an engaging and immersive visitor experience.

This job was a FINALIST at the 2023 New Zealand Sign and Display Awards in the Exhibition and Display category.