Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches
Creativity was essential in crafting awe-inspiring exhibitry on objects that could sit in the palm of your hand. Not to mention making it as appealing as possible to all, including the many people who are squeamish about blood. While specimens, artifacts and live bloodfeeders combine to give the exhibition authenticity, the main thrust of the design is imaginative, immersive and multi-sensory.
The Challenge
The split focus on the science and culture of bloodfeeding provided a design challenge in that a clean, modern look was desired for the science-centered spaces, whereas the cultural rooms called out for a historic, atmospheric tone. Creativity was essential in crafting awe-inspiring exhibition from objects that could sit in the palm of your hand.
The architecture of the exhibition hall presented its own set of challenges: walls and pillars that are never plumb, quirky divisions of space, and a difficult existing palette: almond- coloured floors and a white ceiling.
Project Vision
We sought to target Families and Experience Seekers, while not alienating Traditional Adult visitors. Knowing that some visitors would be uncomfortable with the content and squeamish about blood and bloodfeeders, we set out to provide encouragement through conversational language, fun science, and a carefully manipulated experience to help balance that feeling.
Design + Execution
Since tiny bloodfeeders are the stars of the exhibition, the designers strove to create dramatic, immersive environments to take pressure off the small objects on display. Floor-to-ceiling curtains guide visitors past a huge sculpture of red blood cells, richly colored and lit. Beyond this space, videos, murals and consoles expand to fit the hall. Over 30 species of bloodfeeders are showcased in a long, curved wall, while smaller spaces for culture topics provide unique settings that are immersive and moody.
A series of compressions and expansions throughout the exhibit provide variety for visitors. This effect is magnified by changes in color and style as visitors move through the exhibition.
Very little realistic blood appears in the exhibition; the beauty of the natural world is emphasized and the tone is lightened with humor, whimsy and fun interactives.
The wall of bloodsuckers is a series of interlocking cabinets; the consoles are an assembly of modular pieces. The curtain walls are lightweight for travel, and components within the culture rooms are relatively easy to maneuver. The exhibition hall has angular elements, sloping walls and inclining support columns; the design solution was to create spaces independent of the hall, using standard geometries for the elements meant to travel.
Project Details
Design Team
Royal Ontario Museum
Photo Credits
Royal Ontario Museum
Open Date
November 2019