The Nature Experience Center De Oostvaarders, located on the Almere side of the Oostvaardersplassen, is the perfect starting point for an exploration of this unique nature reserve. A hotspot surrounded by greenery, where Stichting Stad & Natuur Almere, Staatsbosbeheer, and the municipality of Almere collaborate to create wonderful initiatives. The result is an incredible nature experience, innovative programming, and modern education.
Briefing
More and more people are discovering the nature surrounding the Oostvaardersplassen and National Park Nieuw Land. As a result, the Nature Experience Center underwent a full transformation in 2024.
The building has more than doubled in size and now boasts a completely new layout. With an updated restaurant, group rooms, classrooms, an information point, and a shop, there’s much to explore.
The client approached us with the request to design an idea for an interactive exhibition, one that would engage visitors and enhance their experience of the natural environment.
Concept
The Oostvaardersplassen is a diverse and complex ecosystem, home to many species and interconnected relationships. We came up with two interactive ways for visitors to explore both the local flora and fauna and the migratory birds that rely on the area.
Ecosystem Connections
Visitors will explore the relationships between different organisms in the Oostvaardersplassen. The interactive display will show how species interact, such as predator-prey or symbiosis, highlighting the ecosystem’s complexity and interconnectedness.
Bird Migration
The second exhibit will focus on migratory birds, showing their travel routes and the role of Oostvaardersplassen in their journey. Users can adjust timelines and view bird movements in real-time or time-lapse, offering insights into their migration patterns.
Together, these exhibits will help visitors understand the unique connections within the Oostvaardersplassen ecosystem.
Result
Everything is Connected
The ecosystem of the Oostvaardersplassen is complex and fascinating. On a large touch table, we display the relationships between its flora and fauna. The touch screen shows dozens of organisms, from large grazers to tiny mosses, with lines linking those that interact—whether predator-prey, symbiosis, parasitism, or others. Each relationship has its own color or pattern for easy identification. Visitors can explore the screen to learn more, with organisms in the center showing details like species, size, and unique features.
Short texts around the table highlight the unique dynamics, diversity, and interconnectedness that make the Oostvaardersplassen an exceptional ecosystem.
Bird Migration
The Oostvaardersplassen is a key stopover for many migratory birds. Where do they come from, and where do they go? On an interactive map, we show their migration routes, with real-time or time-lapse animations. Some birds are tracked, allowing us to display their exact movements. Users can also adjust the date to filter migration data for specific periods.
A 65 inch 4K touch screen with a circular cut-out creates a unique display, with additional screens for more information.
A place where adventure, tranquility, and nature come together
A place where adventure, tranquility, and nature come together
