Category Archives: Aquariums/Zoos, Museums, Exhibits

High profile public projects such as Aquariums, Zoos, Museums, and Nature Centers rely on a thematic approach to design. The goal is to engage the visitor to see the vision and to feel the intent of the project. A successful design approach is like a series of storyboards taking the visitor through a journey of experience, entertainment and education.

Projects include:
  • Florida Aquarium, Tampa
  • Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, Dania Beach,
  • Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, Tarpon Springs
  • Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center, Winter Haven
  • Tampa Bay Watch Marine Research and Education Center, Tierra Verde
Debary Hall Balcony © 2012 Ekistics Design Studio, Inc.. All rights reserved.

DeBary Hall Historic Site

Debary Hall is a designated historic landmark of Florida’s upper St. Johns River basin. From 1871 to 1898, Frederick DeBary amassed 9,000 acres of hunting and citrus lands and built an 8,000 square foot mansion and estate compound. Ekistics Design Studio, Inc., in association with R.J. Heisenbottle, Architects, developed a master plan for the remaining six acres surrounding the house, stables and icehouse as part of a Volusia County Park. Continue reading →

Tampa Bay Watch - Bird's Eye View © 2012 Ekistics Design Studio, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Tampa Bay Watch

Tampa Bay Watch is a non-profit environmental organization promoting stewardship of Tampa Bay. Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. developed the master plan for Cunningham Key that organized future uses of the island in accordance with the goals and objectives of Tampa Bay Watch. Continue reading →

IGFA Mangrove © 2012 Ekistics Design Studio, Inc.. All rights reserved.

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum

This interactive educational/recreational experience is the definitive home of fishing. The John Morris Wetlands Area is a created collage of wetland ecosystems including freshwater swamp & freshwater marsh, salt marsh and mangrove habitats. Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. was principally responsible for the master plan for the habitats and interactive boardwalk experience, collaborating with the architect and exhibit consultants. Continue reading →

View Florida Aquarium → © 2012 Ekistics Design Studio, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Florida Aquarium

Ekistics Design Studio was the lead consultant responsible for site planning, engineering and landscape architecture for the Florida Aquarium exhibit queuing garden, eco-parking lot, exterior exhibit areas/graphics, and administrative offices. Continue reading →

Demonstration Gardens Development Plan © 2011 Ekistics Design Studio, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center

The Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center is proposed to showcase the habitats and water resources of the Chain of Lakes District and to provide a hands on educational experience. The Nature Center Building will be sensitively sited on a isthmus between two water bodies. Continue reading →