Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center

This facility is a functioning research lab staffed by a diverse array of scientists. The visitor center aimed to deepen understanding and respect for marine science research, but the challenge was how to interpret such a diverse range of work.

Extensive interviews revealed the solution: give visitors scientific tools to explore the marine world at a variety of scales, from microscopic to macroviews, the same way Hatfield scientists work. Identifying this common approach provided a clear conceptual organization. Live animal displays and exciting hands-on exhibits allow visitors to make their own observations and join scientists in the search for patterns that help us to understand our complex world.