A06_40572969_BIBE_PGAP_Final_Reference_Package.pdf

NPS/C. Ballou

Big Bend National Park Persimmon Gap Visitor Center

Reference Package 2200 Eastlake Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98102 | 206 528-5556 | www.edxseattle.com

Production Documents II

Exhibit Planning & Design

PDII

November 25, 2019

Table of Contents - by fabrication technique

Page Type Description

05 Diorama elements Fabricated elements

13 Tactile elements Off the shelf props

23 Tactile elements 3D printed acrylic

27 Tactile elements Hot cast bronze

35 Interactives Mechanical interactives

39 Artifacts Accessioned objects

41 Graphics Custom graphics

Production Documents II November 25, 2019

These Reference Packages are provided for exhibit elements that require detailed subject matter, creative, technical, and/or artistic input to inform and direct production by a creative or technical specialist.

Reference Packages are developed to provide the creative or technical specialist with critical information needed to accurately create the exhibit element.

Each Reference Package provides written descriptions and graphic depictions that together provide the details that are needed to produce the exhibit element.

Custom Artwork and Models

Custom illustration, sculpture, and photography, where required, will be part of the fabricator’s contract. These elements are described in this package, noted as such in the database reports, and also marked For Position Only (FPO) in the final production files.

Touchable Elements/ Durability

Where items are listed as “touchable” or “tactile,” they should be created with durability in mind and be easily cleaned by staff. Elements that are made of less durable material are indicated as such and in these instances, it is noted that the fabricator should obtain or create multiples for periodic replacement throughout the life of the exhibit.

Introduction

Big Bend National Park Staff

Every element listed in this reference package requires consultation with and approval from the interpretive staff/Superintendent of Big Bend National Park during the fabrication process.

Organization of this Document

The elements in this document are organized by type. This document is intended to be reviewed concurrently with the graphics package, the exhibit database reports, and the exhibit drawings package.

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Dioram a elem ents Fabricated elem ents

Scene # Item # Description 02 CE-02.03-250 Desert base 02 CE-02.04-550 Rocky road with base 04 CE-04.02-400 Riverbank with tracks 04 CE-04.02-500 Driftwood tree

Components

Purpose and Intent

There are three dioramas within the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center: wildlife viewing, backroads, and canoe trip. Each of these introduces the visitors to activities they can participate in while visiting the park as well as highlighting the plants and animals which can be found in these different landscapes.

The elements within reach are tactile, encouraging visitors to linger and engage with the diorama.

Diorama elements work with surrounding interpretive graphics. All natural elements should be based on real features and textures which can be found in Big Bend National Park.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

The areas of the diorama within visitor reach should be tactile (this encompasses all elements below approx. 7’ from floor). The diverse sizes and textures of elements will likely require a variety of fabrication techniques, which may be determined by fabricator on an element-by-element basis. EDX has proposed fabrication techniques for each diorama.

General style for tactile diorama elements

Reference images for fabrication techniques:

Reference image for diorama surface

Reference image for lizard track

Reference image for roadrunner track Reference image for javelina track

Purpose and Intent

To imitate the desert habitat in Big Bend NP in which one would find the animals referenced in the previous pages. Should look realistic and similar in detail to the reference images shown.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

Exterior-grade fiberglass with gelcoat top coat, UVC inhibiting paints, and UV-blocker clear coat. Organic matter should be caplabe of withstanding intensive touching.

Surface

Surface to look dry and arid. Notice the small pebbles and rocks hovering over the base layer of the sand/dirt.

Color to be uniform across the length of the diorama base.

Lizard, Roadrunner, Javelina Tracks

Tracks to lead from bronze sculpture to edge of diorama indicating path previously taken by animal.

In the case of the roadrunner, and lizard tracks should be closely grouped at edge of diorama (a normal walking pace for each animal) and then further spread apart and deeper as the two tracks meet (indicating a running animal). Notice the track left by lizards tail. The tracks should be sized to match the feet of the bronze animals on the diorama. The tracks should look freshly made.

Reference image for diorama base

CE-02.03-250 Wildlife diorama base

Reference image for diorama base

Purpose and Intent

To imitate the back country driving conditions in Big Bend NP. Should look realistic and similar in detail to the reference images shown.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

Exterior-grade fiberglass with gelcoat top coat, UVC inhibiting paints, and UV-blocker clear coat. Organic matter should be caplabe of withstanding intensive touching. Boulders to be shotcrete.

Boulders and rock rubble

Mix of larger boulders with smaller rocks and rubble resting in a cohesive pile. Visitor should not be able to pull apart the rocks in the pile.

Surface

Surface to look dry and arid. The road should have a hardpack texture with many tire tracks running across

it. The road should be banked on one side with rock rubble mentioned above.

4x4 Tracks

There will be many overlapping tracks, all heading in the same direction. They should be the same size, but have multiple patterns.

CE-02.04-550 Backroads rocky base

Reference image for rock rubble color and texture

Reference image for rock rubble scale and dispersion.

Rock encircled in red indicates the maximum rock size

Reference images for tire track depth and complexity. Tire tracks to match tire wheels on 4x4.

CE-04.02-400, Riverbank with animal tracks

Purpose and Intent

To imitate the river bank of Big Bend NP, and provide visitors with an immersive experience. Should look realistic and similar in detail to the reference images shown. Visitors may walk up a small slope to enter the canoe; tripping hazards should be avoided.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

Exterior-grade fiberglass with gelcoat top coat, UVC inhibiting paints, and UV-blocker clear coat. Organic matter should be caplabe of withstanding intensive touching. Rocks and river stones to be shotcrete or real.

Surface

Surface to look primarily muddy and silty. There should be small rocks throughout and some medium boulders closer to right-hand wall where visitors will not step .

River bank should rise up very gradually from finished floor. Canoe should appear to be embedded in the muddy bank. Surface should be uneven and transition from mud/silt to gravel/stones further from edge.

Reference image for riverbank color and texture

Reference images for riverbank rock density and scale.

Reference image for diorama base

CE-04.02-400, Riverbank with animal tracks, continued

Bobcat tracks

Tracks shall be defined and deep, visitors should be able to make out toe pads from tracks. Tracks should follow the edge of riverbank surface, cluster at a point near the water’s edge (indicating the bobcat paused there to hunt) and then continue towards the bobcat silhouette graphic on the wall.

Reference image for bob cat tracks in Big Bend riverbank and mud density

Reference image Bobcat tracks in silt

Reference image for diorama base

Front

Hind

CE-04.02-500 Driftwood tree

Reference image for diorama base

Purpose and Intent

To imitate a driftwood tree similar to one that can be found on the Rio Grande. Should look realistic and similar in detail to the reference images shown. Tree trunk to have a protruding limb long enough for a turkey vulture to perch on.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

Tree to be made of steel concrete and epoxy with UVC inhibiting paints, and UV-blocker clear coat. Should be caplabe of withstanding intensive touching, and to avoid sharp points, or corners that have the potential to snag on visitor clothing.

Driftwood perch

Cottonwood should be the species used for driftwood model. Driftwood to be a single log with a limb sticking out above the canoe such that the turkey vulture bronze sculpture may perch upon it. Note the broken off base, and the partially stripped off bark.

Reference images for driftwood logs

Reference images for driftwood logs

Tactile elem

Off the shelf props

Scene # Item # Description 02 CE-02.04-500 Jeep 02 CE-02.04-530 Safety eqipment 03 CE-03.02-430 Overnight pack 03 CE-03.02-500 Packable goods 04 CE-04.02-100 Canoe with gear

Purpose and Intent

To showcase the conditions in which someone choosing to go on a back country drive could find themselves in, and the type of vehicle they would be driving. Model base will be tactile and should be strong enough to withstand climbing, even though the design of the exhibit discourages climbing.

Description

Generic 4x4 to be purchased and cut to fit dedicated area in plan. 4x4 to be covered with colored shotcrete and paint to simulate dirt. Dirt texture and color should match the diorama base below. All visible logos and advertising should be removed or covered.

Tow strap Attach a bright yellow or other very colorful tow strap to front bumper. Strap to be at least 2” wide and 1/4” thick.

Reference images for jeep

CE-02.04-500, Jeep

Reference image for 4x4 positioning

Reference image for tow strap

Reference image for 4x4 density of dirt cover

Reference images for props

CE-02.04-530 Safety equipment

Shovel and high lift jack to be purchased off the shelf and attached to hood of car via connector kit.

Connector kit should be constructed such that visitors cannot remove items from the kit. All sharp edges of kit and tools to be dulled.

Reference image for shovel on connector kit.

Reference image for high lift jack

Reference image for high lift jack on connector kit, attached to hood of car

Reference images for props

CE-03.02-430 Overnight pack

Purpose and Intent

The visitors will be selecting items from the adjacent cubbies and placing them into the overnight pack. This activity will demonstrate the numerous items needed for a backpacking trip, as well as the limited amount of space available to carry these items.

Description

Reference images for overnight backpack with open top below. Backpack to be brightly colored with sewn on fabric graphic identifying it as visitor center property. Pack to be in the 36L to 50L range, should look used.

Overnight backpacks typically include a removable brain (top pack). Brain should be detached and not put on display.

CE-03.02-500 Packable goods interactive

Purpose and Intent

All props to represent items needed for overnight backpacking. All items need to fit inside cubbies on the back of fabricated bench.

Description

Detailed drawings for the layout of the bench can be found in the exhibit drawings set. This package is intended to show an example of each item that is proposed for the cubbies.

Many of the items may be purchased off the shelf and used as props. In some cases, replacements must be purchased or created so that items may be available for replacement once they have worn out.

All pouches and bags must be sealed shut such that visitors are not able to open them. No items should have any sharp corners or edges.

All visible logos and advertising on elements should be removed or covered.

Reference image for plastic fruit assortment. All of the shown fruit should be represented, except for the lemon and banana.

Reference image for bundles labeled: SLEEPING BAG, TENT, GROUND PAD. Bundles to be filled with high density foam and sewn or sealed shut.

Reference images for bundle labeled: CLOTHES. Bundle to be filled with high density foam and sewn or sealed shut.

Reference images for props

CE-03.02-500 Packable goods interactive, continued

Reference image for camp dining set. Set to include plastic cup, bowl and plate, all glue together so that visitors cannot take them apart.

Reference image for gas stove fuel tank. Fuel tank to be off the shelf and empty. Branding to be covered or removed.

Reference image for camp stove container. Container should be labeled as “Camp Stove”.

Reference image for camp cooking set. Set should include a pot and a pan, and should be made of metal.

Reference image for insect repellent. Spray top to not function, top of bottle to be affixed to bottom, bottle to be filled with set adhesive

Reference image for binoculars. Off-the-shelf plastic, replace glass lens with opaque plastic.

Reference image for toiletry kit. Should be a sealed pouch filled with foam, labeled with: TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, DEODORANT. Should be sized to fit only those three objects.

Reference image for sun screen. Top of bottle to be affixed to bottom, bottle to be filled with set adhesive

CE-03.02-500 Packable goods interactive, continued

Reference images for freeze dried food packets

Reference image for first aid kit. Stuffed with foam and zipper sewn shut. Reference image for map and compass pouch. Map and compass should be together in a sealed clear plastic bag. Map to be of Big Bend region.

Reference images for toilet kit. Include all items above in heavy duty plastic case that has been sealed shut.

CE-03.02-500 Packable goods interactive, continued

Reference images for props

CE-04.02-100 Canoe with gear

Purpose and Intent

To provide visitors with a photo-op of the Santa Elena canyon as well as demonstrate the amount of gear necessary for a canoeing trip. Visitors will be encouraged to climb in and out of canoe.

Description

Generic canoe to be purchased off the shelf. EDX identified “Discovery 119 by Old Town” as possible model, 11 feet long. Canoe to be fastened to floor below such that it will not move when stepped into.

Visible stabilizers should be minimized on the visitor side. Modify canoe to include two seats: one at stern and one at bow.

Canoe to look used and have a waterline. Half of canoe will be resting on fabricated riverbank. All visible logos and advertising on gear and canoe should be removed or covered. “Big Bend National Park” graphic to be adhered to outside and “climb on it” to the inside of canoe, see graphics package for size and location.

Gear, paddles and life vest to be purchased off the shelf and strapped to canoe such that visitors cannot remove items from canoe. Straps should appear to be part of the design of canoe. All sharp edges of gear and paddles to be dulled.

Gear to include two paddles, one cooler, dry bags and two life vests. Dry bags to be multicolored, sewn shut and stuffed with foam. Cooler to be mono or dual colored and glued shut.

Life vests in one size large and one size small.

Reference image for Discovery 119 by Old Town Canoe

Reference image for how to strap gear to canoe

Reference image for wood canoe paddle

Reference image for generic cooler

Reference image for multicolored dry packsReference image for generic life vest

3D printed acrylic

Scene # Item # Description 02 CE.02.01-250 Tactile raised-line model with braille of VC

Reference image for 3D printed acrylic

CE-02.01-250 Tactile raised-line map

Purpose and Intent

Including braille and raised line and floorplan of the visitor center allows visitors with blindness or low vision to experience the exhibits more fully and independently. The tactile raised-line graphic provides these visitors with an tool through which to spatially understand the site.

Accessibility

These tactile elements shall meet accessibility requirements specified in Section 6, Accessibility, of the National Park Service Exhibit Planning, Design, and Fabrication Specifications document (Attachment 1).

Proposed Fabrication Technique

This panel will be 3D-printed from acrylic. Raised letters shall be a minimum height of 1/8” and shall be prismatic.

Reference images for fabrication techniques:

Tactile map shown at 50%

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Braille Here

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TACTILE SCALE:

YOU ARE HERE

EXHIBITS

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BOOK STORE

Braille Here

Hot cast bronze

Scene # Item # Description 02 CE-02.03-200 Bronze model of javelina with young 02 CE-02.03-300 Bronze model of roadrunner with lizard 04 CE-04.02-300 Bronze model of turkey vulture with spread wings 03 CE-03.02-600 Bronze model of Lucifer hummingbird

General style for bronze tactiles

Purpose and Intent

These models are intended to enable children and adult visitors with kinesthetic learning styles to connect to the material presented. They also provide an opportunity for interaction with animals that is not possible in the wild.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

All sculptures should be made from high-quality hot cast bronze. Care should be taken with the design to ensure that no small parts extend from the sculptures that can be broken or snapped off. Each sculpture should be life size and built with the ability to be securely bolted to a reading rail or substrate.

Style should be realistic and similar in detail to the reference images shown. Finish should be monochromatic bronze.

Reference images for fabrication technique:

Reference images for bronze tactiles

CE-02.03-200 Javelina

Javelina

Adult Javelina to be actively moving from one spot to another. One young javelina to be following close behind adult. Second young javelina to be sniffing earth close to lizard tracks, about to track the lizard.

Reference images for female javelina with young.

CE-02.03-300 Roadrunner with lizard

Greater Roadrunner

Roadrunner to be standing facing the room with a lizard in its beak. Head plume should be raised, wings close to body, tail perpendicular to body. Lizard to be dangling limply from beak, clearly deceased.

Whiptail Lizard

Plateau-spotted Whiptail is a common lizard type for Big Bend NP, and should be used as the basis for sculpture. Notice the texture change between the body of the lizard and the tail. As it is deceased, claws should be curled closed or held together.

Reference images for bronze tactiles

Reference image for greater roadrunner with prey

Reference image for greater roadrunner

Reference image for whiptail lizard texture and scale

Reference image for whiptail lizard

CE-03.02-600 Lucifer hummingbird

Reference images for bronze tactiles

Lucifer Hummingbird

Hummingbird to be perched on top of one of the posts in the graphic panel structure, see drawing package for location. Wings should be held close to the body, tail low and beak held high.

Reference image for lucifer hummingbird

Reference images for bronze tactiles

04.02-300 Turkey vulture

Turkey Vulture

Vulture to have wings spread out and be fastened to perch. Majority of feathers should be kept close together without spaces between them. Any sharp edges should be dulled.

Reference images for turkey vulture with spread wings page intentionally left blank

Interactives M echanical interactives

Scene # Item # Description 03 CE-03.02-410 Water jug interactive 03 CE-03.03-200 Spotter scope

Mechanical interactive

CE-03.02-410 Water jug interactive

Purpose and Intent

To demonstrate to visitors how much water a hiker needs for a day hike in the desert and how heavy that can be.

Technique and Treatment

Visitors lift a weighted gallon water jug with an inner shaft mechanism which safely and reliably guides the lift motion and sets the resistance at one gallon of weight. Once let go, the water jug should return to its resting position slowly.

Reference interactive below. Design will be customized to be a gallon jug of water, not a bucket.

Reference for Water Interactive:

Working Studio, LLC

Carrying Water http://workingstudiollc.com/index.php/2017/08/03/ carrying-water/

Gallon water jug to be opaque and appear to be an off the shelf 1 gallon water jug. Handle to withstand repeated lifting an handling. Cap to be sealed shut and jug should appear to be full.

Mechanical interactives

CE-03.03-200 Spotter Scope

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this interactive is to encourage people to look around the visitor center and find the models of various bird species one can typically see in the park.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

Spotter scope to be fabricated out of metal, plastic, and glass. It should be tethered to a reading rail, and able to be held and used by a 6 year old child as well as an adult. While tethered, scope should rest in a standing position. Scope does not need to provide any magnification as bird models will be within 20 feet.

Reference image for spotter scope

Artifacts Accessioned objects

Artifacts

Scene # Item # Description 01 AO-02.02-300 Fossiliferous Rock, provided by owner

Purpose and Intent

Visitors will be able to see and touch a fossil embedded in a local stone.

Proposed Fabrication Technique

Stone will be provided by the park and needs to be fastened to the top of the fossil discovery cube. See drawing set for details.

Rendering of fossil discovery cube with stone on top

Image of rock sample collected by park

Graphics Custom graphics

Scene # Item # Description 01 CE-01.01-200 Welcome desk signage 01 CE-01.02-100 Store signage

Reference images for metal lettering

Graphic signage

CE-01.01-200, 01.02-100 Desk and store signage

Purpose and Intent

The signage above the welcome desk and store is designed to provide extra visibility and sense of warm welcoming to visitors in these areas.

Proposed Fabrication Technique and Finish Treatment

Maple sign with cut and powder coated steel letters, no visible fasteners. Letters to stand off from wood.