The Galapagos Islands in the Eastern Pacific, in the Republic of Ecuador, are known for their large number of endemic species. The islands inspired Charles Darwin to write his ground-breaking study, The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, in the 1830s. An exhibition dedicated to this archipelago opened at the Houston Zoo in 2023, showcasing tortoises, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and other ocean animals. The purpose of the show was educational, to teach children about evolution, but also environmental, to highlight the effort to protect these endangered species.
One Ocean Aquarium
The exhibit presents a pool that contains a 40-foot-long tunnel surrounded by sea lions. A large chamber around the corner leads to One Ocean Aquarium, with coral leaf structures and volcanic boulders that provide niches for sharks, sea turtles, and other fish habitats. The lighting design for the aquarium exhibition amplifies the quality of replicated environments of the Galapagos Islands. The design features “Under sky” lighting that helps the eyes adapt from ambient light conditions outdoors. As visitors move “Under Earth” to explore the showcase further, accent lighting and dramatic shadows highlight rock formations mimicking the volcanic caves and lava tunnels from the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Islands immersive ambiental lighting
Going further into the “underwater” zone, visitors can observe the ocean creatures from the tunnel, while the lighting design simulates an immersive feeling of residing under the ocean. Many-sided, undulating mirrored ceiling mimics reflection under the surface of the water. “God rays” at the reefs are simulated by narrow accent lighting, while the calibrated light spectrum enhances color rendering and suppresses the wavelengths that encourage algae growth. The light design creates the illusion of never-ending depth with its darker, colder tones implemented in the back of the tank. In order to keep the illusion of a natural environment, the lighting equipment is hidden from the visitor’s view all the way through the exhibit. Animals approaching the visitors are illuminated with front lighting concealed behind viewing windows, which simultaneously minimize reflections.
Sustainability and animal welfare
Integrated lighting that simulates photoperiods and the spectral composition of daylight improves animal welfare while providing an unforgettable experience for visitors. Throughout the exhibition, lighting approaches are calibrated to achieve the educational purpose of the exhibition without over-lighting. Long-life LED lights reduce the frequency of maintenance. High ambient light levels in the Call to Action segment of the show facilitate eye adaptation needed to help visitors leave the exhibition and enter the outside world. Tailor-made linear lighting underscores graphics that encourage visitors to take part in Galápagos preservation efforts.
Flux Studio
Light design for Houston Zoo – Galapagos Exhibit by Flux Studio has won the LIT Lighting Design Award, in the Visitor Experience & Museum Exhibition category. Flux Studio explores the relationship between light and human perception of space. Their multifaceted approach includes various disciplines, including art, research, engineering and design. The studio’s portfolio includes lighting designs for Elijah’s Park in Baltimore, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington and Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved.
Photo Credits: Tom McConnell, Sue Chin, Flux Studio
