Denver Museum of Nature & Science

What It Was

When the Denver Museum of Nature & Science wanted to add a cutting edge space science wing to their institution, they turned to innovative designers Delphi Productions. Lightswitch has a long history with Delphi, and we were delighted to work with them again on this exciting project.

What We Did

Space Odyssey, as the exhibit is named, is a complex gallery that offers guests of all ages an immersive, participatory learning environment in which to explore and discover the wonders of space and space science. Varied areas include a dramatic entrance hallway, a toddlers' area, a presentation stage with regular space themed productions, a reading room, multiple interactive exhibits, and the centerpiece, a very large Mars surface diorama, that features "astronauts" on the surface of the Red Planet, interacting with the guests "inside".

Lightswitch was faced with several design challenges on this project, including integrating theatrical lighting into the gallery to allow maximum flexibility for presentations, and providing a design that was sympathetic to the numerous A/V systems within the facility. In addition, we were tasked with taking the diorama, which had very limited lighting positions, and making it feel like a believable alien environment, with the correct balance of color, texture and accurate, consistent shadows.

Why It Worked

Planning, planning, planning! An obsessive attention to detail and the utilization of cutting edge fixtures including daylight color temperature theatrical fixtures and LED sources resulted in a successful blend of education, science and entertainment.