Location: Chicago, IL

Client: Shedd Aquarium

Completed: 2009

Size: 6,800 Square Feet

Photo Credit: Steve Hall Hedrick Blessing

As a highly programmatic experience with an emphasis on play, Polar Play Zone is a flexible exhibit designed for children ages two to seven, and their families. Parent-child interaction is encouraged through hands-on experiences, role-play, touch tables, and live animal encounters. Four distinct rooms each feature an iconic animal: sea otters, pacific white-sided dolphins, penguins, and beluga whales.

Informed by market research and analysis, this was the first permanent children’s exhibit at Shedd. Extensive best practices research along with in-depth visitor evaluation guided the development and design of Polar Play Zone. Safety was a major priority, as was the incorporation of universal design principles and accessibility. Feedback from guests led to incorporating seating, food services and private spaces into the design.

While working at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, Bryan Schuetze was Lead Designer and Project Lead for the children’s exhibition Polar Play Zone.