Watt.Land.Fluss
Client - Nationalpark-Zentrum Multimar Wattforum Location - Tönning, Germany Exhibition Space - 600 m² indoor and 6 outdoor stations
Project Typ - Permanent exhibition Opening - June 2023 Executed for studio ntw GbR & Kunstraum GfK Responsible for project lead, exhibition concept, execution and set-up
An immersive journey underwater. At the Multimar Wattforum in Tönning, visitors are invited to explore the captivating world of otters. The exhibition playfully reveals how these agile swimmers live, hunt, and adapt to their surroundings. With interactive stations both indoors and outdoors, detailed models, and exciting insights into the protection of these endangered animals, the exhibition offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
The indoor area of the exhibition is inspired by the waterline of the otters' aquarium - a fundamental element that unifies the entire experience. Upon entering, visitors feel as if they are diving into an underwater world alongside the otters. The color palette is drawn directly from the hues of the water, creating a soothing yet dynamic atmosphere that mirrors the natural aquatic environment.
The aquarium's waterline has been incorporated into the scenography, an LED strip that mimics the surface of the water - changing colour and intensity to mimic the natural flow of light underwater. This ever-changing display not only enhances the visual impact, but also reinforces the connection between the exhibition and its aquatic inspiration.
To further enhance the immersive experience, design elements such as air bubbles - reminiscent of those produced by otters with their thick, insulating fur - are integrated throughout the space. These bubbles can be found on the displays, panels and interactive stations, serving as a playful reminder of the otters' underwater world. Every element of the exhibition is linked to this central theme, creating a seamless fusion between the architecture of the building and the natural environment it celebrates.
Over 60 interactive exhibits seamlessly integrate into the design language and transform the exhibition into an engaging, multi-sensory journey. The combination of natural colors, dynamic lighting, and organic design details invites visitors to experience the underwater world not just through observation, but as an active, participatory adventure.
The outdoor part of the exhibition is structured as a six-station trail, with each station offering insights into various aspects of the otter's life. Visitors encounter clues about footprints, remnants of food, resting places, sleeping sites, winter survival strategies, and the challenges posed by proximity to human populations.
Maintaining the connection to the indoor design, each station incorporates the water bubble theme. However, the most striking visual element is the use of oversized blades of grass. These enlarged grass stems serve a dual purpose: they function as a guiding system along the outdoor path and create a scaled environment where visitors experience the habitat from the otters’ perspective.
