San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Fresno, California
Initially hired by the San Joaquin River Conservation Trust to assess the feasibility of converting a large, historic San Joaquin Valley barn into a museum about the river, Jan Coleman’s team was subsequently hired to design a “Museum without Walls” for the ten-acre facility flanking the San Joaquin River. Creating a plan that can be implemented in phases, the outdoor museum will disperse large groups of visitors into activity zones aimed at visitors of all ages, and especially focused on families. The story illustrates the issues of water rights, choices, controversies, and the long term effects of climate change.
Site plan of ten-acre exhibit space. Courtesy Red Caviar and Rough Media.
Graphic Typical is prototype for graphic elements. Courtesy Red Caviar and Rough Media.
Carved figures speaking in past, present and future voices share their opinions about controversial water-use issues. Courtesy Red Caviar and Rough Media.
“Life on the River” play area invites full-body exploration. Courtesy Red Caviar and Rough Media.
An interactive water table helps children and adults understand where San Joaquin River water goes, and why it doesn’t reach San Francisco. Courtesy Red Caviar and Rough Media.
Springing outward from a replica of Fresno’s old iconic historic water tower, pipes bubble with water and power interactive exhibits at the Conservation Station. Courtesy Red Caviar and Rough Media.
