In Partnership with
Brief:
EuroSana (a fictional country similar to Belgium) is experiencing slow economic growth as the country moves towards an economy based on services and away from agriculture and manufacturing. This process has been underway for a few decades and the government is now focusing on growing the leisure sector. As such, the government has made several grants available for developments in this sector and has provided tax breaks for companies who are actively investing in leisure businesses.
At the same time, the country is focusing on sustainable development and is encouraging carbon neutral targets, again supporting this with grants for meeting accelerated targets. The park has pledged to become carbon neutral within the next 7 years. All new additions to the park should be in line with the sustainability goals of not only TerraTopia, but also the wider EuroSanian community.
The grants depend on various factors. The grant for investment in leisure businesses consists of anywhere between 1% and 2% of the total revenues expected to be generated by the development within its first three (3) years. The Sustainability Grant is based on the investment cost of the development if it concerns a carbon neutral development (5% of total investment), or on a sliding scale concerning developments that lower existing outputs.
The park owners – a group of investors - are becoming increasingly concerned about the parks focus on animals given the current sentiment against keeping animals in captivity. They have indicated that they would like to see the park slowly diversify away from the focus on animals over time.
Both park management and owners are aware of the need for (re)investment into the park with the last investment being 6 years ago. There is certainly willingness to make this a substantial investment, but the owners are ultimately concerned with return on investment. They have a medium term (5 years) to long term (8 years) view on any investment. With that in mind, the owners and management are aiming to reach an attendance of 1 million within the next 3 to 5 years.
Park management is also very aware of current issues within the labour market and are having major problems staffing for the high season. Some further issues that are on the minds of the owners and management:
• The new development should include F&B and Retail
• We are looking to ensure the park is as accessible as possible to guests with a variety of limitations
• Sufficient space for queuing is a must
• Amenities and guest services should consider the expanded attendance goal
Park management and owners have done some bench marking and are impressed with Chester Zoo in the UK, Bellewaerde in Belgium, Slagharen in the Netherlands and (of course) Busch Gardens and Sea World in Florida (USA).
Deliverables:
Having heard about the creative success of the NextGen Showcase agencies we would like to contract you to:
A. Analyze the site and come up with proposals on how to thematically integrate an attraction that offers a
cohesive transition between the Wetlands and Mountains areas.
B. Come up with three different high-level concept proposals for a new and exciting shared family
experience.
C. Propose improved area development that considers guest flow and the new services that will provide
educational, entertaining and reflective/relaxing experiences for the whole family.
Programs used:
ProCreate for iOS
SketchUp
Meet the Team
First Team Meeting Activity: Concept for Grand Canyon Attraction
BlueSky Phase
Task: Write story hooks for each concept to be further developed based off client feedback
The Unseen City
Past the mountains, and just east of the marshes, lies a quiet, seemingly empty forest. Aside from the occasional bird chirp and twig snap, not much seemed to happen in this valley. After being illegally purchased by Lumber Core Solutions, the forest is now slated for destruction. Dr. Caileigh and her team have set up a base camp deep in the forest, desperately searching for something to preserve this vast forest. After discovering the ruins of an ancient city, Dr. Caileigh is confident in her fight against Lumber Core, but there’s more to the ruins than meets the eye. Help Dr. Caileigh uncover the hidden secrets of the Ruins of Haagate and protect the wildlife of Ringbury Forest.
Dragon Village
Hunted for their scales and horns, dragons have dwindled to the point of myth. Those that survived were believed to have left this world for their own self protection. Because of this, the world has suffered. The dragons helped keep balance between the elements of the earth. Each dragon guarded the elements, and without them, the earth is dying. Luckily, a secret village in the mountains recognizes the importance of the beasts, and have made it their mission to bring back the dragons. The Village of Everbrook has established itself as a sanctuary to breed dragons and restore the balance of the elements. Guests can take part in this dragon resurgence by hatching eggs, teaching babies to fly, and helping the teenagers harness their elemental powers while learning about the history of the village.
Port Bluedale
Port Bluedale sat neatly tucked between the mountain range and the ocean. This young coastal town was able to thrive on its tourism. People came from all over to dive in the clear waters and relax on the white sandy beaches. The town’s economy boomed, and the reef became a huge part of the town's personality. The wildlife were incorporated into practically everything they owned, from clothes to architecture. One week a year, the town puts together a party to celebrate. Guests can join in on the festivities, including an attraction that shows the chaotic life and dangers of the sea creatures, a learning center full of rides that showcase the many strengths and abilities (think county fair type attractions like small drop towers, swings, etc), take a tour on the rowboats, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and fashion of the Bluedale citizens, and be sure to check out the amazing underwater viewing base. You might even catch a glimpse of the rumored Otodus shark, which was thought to have gone extinct over 3 million years ago!
However, the fish started disappearing from the docks, the coral was starting to fade, and no one could figure out why. The town was very aware of the delicate ecosystem in the water, so they were careful not to change anything about how they live. Their fishing practices were environmentally friendly and they only allowed row boats at the docks to avoid pollution. The only suspicion they had was some far off boats that had appeared on the horizon. They appeared suddenly and have yet to leave. Could they have something to do with the mysterious disappearances? Guests will want to stick around for the night time show on the water to find out!
Visberg
In the shadow of the mountain of Visberg, tucked in the wooded valley pass is the home to a contest of champions. In the resort town of Visberg, 3 factions compete in the annual (sports competition) to see who will be crowned champion and claim (a trophy). Explore the village of Visberg in celebration and participate in the festivities. If you head up to the lodge, you can join a faction and register for the competition yourself! Until then, feel free to stroll through the village, browse the shops, meet the locals, and savor the delicious flavors of the village. If you’re lucky, you might even run into Mila DuPont, the seven time Eurosana Division (sport) Champion as she takes a break from the contest at the lodge. As you explore the village and chat with the residents, learn about the local folklore and learn of the 3 factions and the families that founded them. At night, join the village in a spectacular, colorful view of the northern lights
Visberg Folklore: The factions were born of 3 families of yore, after an almost spiritual encounter with the constellations Lupus (wolf), Aquila (eagle), Ursa (bear). In the past the village was the center of a devastating battleground between the factions, who all believed they had a divine right to the land after being visited by the constellation spirits. Ages passed, and the descendants of the original families no longer remembered what they were fighting for. Coming to a truce, they laid down their arms and joined in unity as one. In remembrance of the town's history, the 3 factions compete in a yearly tournament in honor of the mysterious spirits in time long passed. The leader of the winning faction is also presented with a trophy, as a physical testimony of that faction’s strength and courage.
New Society
Ironstein was a booming town on the brink of the Industrial Revolution. Being so close to the mountain range, they had immediate access to coal and iron. This led to a massive outbreak of innovation in the town. They were immensely ahead of the neighbors and placed themselves on the pedestal of the future. However, all that glitters is not gold. Not only were these resources used up quickly, the town was covered in pollution. Smoke filled the air. The water was contaminated. The town was now stuck in the past and suffering for it. They could no longer move forward without the resources they relied on so heavily. Determined to make the town liveable again, a few citizens worked together day and night to reuse old factory and machinery parts in combination with the nature around them to keep the town running while they search for a new sustainable and renewable resource. Guests can help discover and invent new ways to use energy and inspire the future of the town.
TerraTech
Dr. Annelien Vandamme was the lead scientist behind the discovery of Aerothain, an old abandoned coal mining town overrun by nature. The citizens of that town long packed up and left after they mined every last ounce of their precious resource. After nature ran its course, and the town was long forgotten, it was rediscovered by Dr. Vandemme and her research team. In order to learn from the mistakes of the past, Dr. Vandemme is dedicated to energy innovation and learning from the plants and animals around her, called Biomimicry. Guests can wander the museum of energy, discover how the research team has incorporated biology into technology in the land around them, and experience thrilling attractions that explore topics like the water cycle, and help Dr. Vandemme protect the once abundant wildlife from going extinct.
Task: Create Images of Select Concepts
Unseen City v1
Unseen City Character Concept
Mascot Concept
Dragon Village Mascot Concept
Dragon Village
Unseen City v2
Unseen City v2.5
Task: Create a Moodboard for Visberg Concept
Bear Spirit
Eagle Spirit
Wolf Spirit
Images above created by Meghan Burns
Images below pulled from Google Images
Chosen Concept - TerraTech Labs (refined by Nikita Hommel)
The TerraTech Trailblazers, the leading research group of EuroSana, invite you on a journey to discover the synergy of technology and nature!
Dr. Annelien Lilienthal was the lead scientist who unveiled a forgotten laboratory once hailed as the pinnacle of innovation from a bygone industrial era, now gracefully reclaimed by beautiful flora. Influenced by the echoes of a technological past with Dr. Lilienthal's profound devotion for the intricate wonders of our world, TerraTech Labs promises to reveal the wisdom of nature's blueprints.
Guests can wander the magnificent structures carved by nature to explore attractions inspired by biomimicry and the natural elements, take a stroll through enchanting flower gardens brimming with native wildflowers and the extraordinary science of aquaponics, or witness a ground-breaking discovery of a new flying machine!
Concept Development Phase
Task: Develop Look for Retail Space at the End of the Attraction
Original idea inspired by the map of a cell, with custom furniture to reflect different elements of cell biology
Direction change: Inspired by maintenance garage
New Moodboard
Images below generated by AI for moodboard only
Concept Sketches
Task: Develop first Dark Ride Vehicle Ideation (further refined by Lilia Deering)
Ride Vehicle v1
Ride Vehicle v1.5
Ride Vehicle v2
Ride Vehicle v3
Task: Food and Beverage Concept Sketches
F&B Interior Concept Sketch
F&B Terrace Concept Sketch
Schematic Phase
Task: Complete Development of Dr. Lilienthal (based on the original design by Gordan Mlynarek)
Original Rework of Gordan's Design
Final Line Art
Color Flats and Prosthetic Design
Why does Dr. Lilienthal have one arm? How did we go about our character ethically?
Dr. Lily was born with one arm, but that never stopped her from pursuing any of her goals. Dr. Lily is loosely based off of my very own cousin, Mallory Wayyenberg, who was also born with one arm. Constant correspondence with Mallory has allowed our team to make sure we represent a person with a disability correctly, and in a way that is uplifting to them and others. The decision to have our character have a disability stems from the importance of inclusion and accessibility in the brief. Our team wanted to take it a step further, and allow inclusion and accessibility not just with guests, but with the staff as well. We found it important to give a chance for actors with differing levels of ability to perform in the themed entertainment industry. We strive for our goal to normalize this uniqueness by using art of Dr. Lily without her prosthetic arm for all marketing opportunities as well as going without the prosthetic in meet and greets when able. However, in the case of unavailable staffing with this particular disability, TerraTopia will provide a prosthetic looking glove or sleeve to appear as though Dr. Lily decided to use her prosthetic for the moment.
Task: Develop the look of Goggles the Chameleon, the animal companion of Dr. Lilienthal
Goggles v2
Goggles v3 Line Art
Goggles v3 Flats
Goggles 3D model
Our lovable friend Goggles is always itching to go out on the next trek, whether you'd like him to join or not. Blinded in his left eye, Dr. Lily felt an immediate connection to this little chameleon, and they've been best friends ever since.
When designing Goggles, our team continued to talk with Mallory Wayyenberg about how to correctly go about representing disability in media. Having the same disability, missing a leg or part of the tail, was too predictable and on the nose, while having a blind or deaf companion could open up another world of representation, especially to children.
Task: Complete Development of Retail Space Key Art
Retail Floor Plan
Task: Complete Development of Food & Beverage Key Art
3D Model of Interior Space
3D Model of Exterior Terrace
Final Food & Beverage Interior Key Art
Final Food & Beverage Terrace Key Art
Task: Develop Final Birds Eye Key Art
Composition Sketch
All Major Buildings
Seating and Greenery
Fencing and Lighting
Final Line Art
Final Daytime Key Art
Final Nighttime Key Art
What is NextGen Showcase?
A 10-month-long educational program that simulates a creative studio environment, whereby participants work in teams to create a themed attraction in response to a client brief. (NextGen Showcase Website)
NextGen Showcase is a free, non-profit, volunteer run program focused on delivering real experience for those with a genuine passion for themed entertainment as a career. The program hosts mentorship and weekly talks from various industry professionals, and a true themed entertainment project structure from Blue Sky through Schematics. Each teams work is judged by professionals and is given feedback at the end of each phase.
