TE AHU
MUSEUM AND LIBRARY COMPLEX
Kaitaia, Aotearoa (New Zealand), 2012 - 1200 sqm
The Project | Studio Cassells created the Marine Discovery Centre, working closely with the Hong Kong Maritime Museum team and Swire, to spark urgent conservation action. Using a “Know, Care, Act” narrative, the gallery takes visitors on a journey from admiring local biodiversity, to understanding their potential negative impacts, to pledging personal changes for a sustainable ocean future.
Our Role | Concept and Development (Environment, exhibit, graphics), Detailed Design, and Design input throughout fabrication and installation.
Climate & Coral Restoration
An interactive tabletop uses 3D-printed coral models to teach the mechanics of bleaching.
Sensory Pollution Exploration
A multilevel display of interactive boxes uses tactile objects and scent to ground the reality of marine debris. From ghost nets to microplastics, these sensory stations expose how everyday waste permeates every level of the ocean.
Interactive Threats & Fishing
Mechanical interactives demystify industrial impacts like illegal trawling and overfishing and visitors uncover the data behind non-sustainable seafood consumption and its devastating effects.
Dystopian Future & Pledges
After passing through a dystopian “Dying Ocean” transition, visitors reach the “Hope for Tomorrow” zone. Here, a digital kiosk allows visitors to commit to specific conservation actions, turning awareness into measurable personal impact.