Wonder Woods Mini Golf
Exhibition Design
From giant mushrooms to larger-than-life bugs and acorns, Wonder Woods brought the Arboretum’s tree science to life in fun and unexpected ways. Participants of all ages learned how tree rings can tell the life story of a tree, how trees support the ecosystems of bugs and wildlife, and other wonderfully cool—and surprising!—scientific concepts.
Working collaboratively with a cross-departmental team, hole design themes were established. Research was done to examine local competitors, various hole playing styles, and ways to infuse science into an engaging mini golf course.
In the early stages, sketches were created. After review from stakeholders and adjustments to the sketches were made, 3D designs were created to visualize the holes to scale and see how the brand identity could be integrated throughout. Hole designs were adjusted before fabrication to allow ease of play but also to stay within budget. Finally, all 9 holes were fabricated, along with matching interpretation panels.
My role as a designer and creative director was to see this project through from concept to creation. Two other designers and I collaboratively created concepts to weave in the science messaging and the branding of the entire mini golf experience. I designed the interpretation panels to match the aesthetic of the brand experience and pulled questions and fun facts throughout the course.
Creative Director: Grant Apgar
Design Collaborators: Katie Damato, Rafa Alvarez, and Dan George
Photographer: John Weinstein
Manufacturer: Street Factory