Magical Pop-up Book: The Growth and Tales of Douglas Fir

"Magical Pop-up Book" is a school project designed for the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) as part of a Design for Museums initiative. This immersive installation combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create an engaging, interactive experience for visitors. By integrating a meticulously crafted pop-up book, hand-drawn illustrations, digital animations, sound design, and strategically placed projectors, the installation brings to life the vibrant and dynamic ecosystem of the Olympic Rainforest.

Each page of the pop-up book represents a different layer of the forest canopy, offering a window into the distinct micro-ecosystems that exist within. From the towering Douglas firs to the intricate networks of mosses and epiphytes, the content is carefully curated to reflect the unique biodiversity of this North American rainforest. The projections respond dynamically to the visitor’s interaction with the book, enhancing their understanding of the relationships between flora, fauna, and their environment.

This installation is specifically designed for volunteers and facilitators who guide field trip students through the Hall of North American Forests at AMNH. By presenting key knowledge in an engaging and accessible way, the project aims to revitalize interest in this historic yet permanent exhibit, making it more immersive and memorable for younger audiences.

Visitors are encouraged to physically interact with the pop-up book by flipping through its pages and adjusting angles. As they do, projections shift and reveal new layers of information, transforming the book into a living, evolving narrative. This hands-on approach fosters curiosity and deeper engagement, allowing students to experience the forest ecosystem in a way that is both educational and magical.

By blending storytelling, interactivity, and fabrication, the Magical Pop-up Book seeks to inspire appreciation for the complexity of forest ecosystems while reinforcing AMNH’s mission of making science accessible to all.