Quiet Waters Cafe & Rest Area
Rhino, Unreal, Substance PT, Photoshop | 2025 | Senior thesis project
Final render in Unreal. I modeled all assets in Rhino and textured in Substance PT.
I redesigned a multipurpose room at Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ) as an immersive bioluminescent-themed cafe and rest area. Based on a guest behavior analysis and site visits, I created an environment that accommodates a break from the rest of the aquarium, working within the existing architectural constraints of the room.
Entrance walkthrough in Unreal.
Sand dollar-inspired kids play tables.
Signage, consistent with existing wayfinding.
Original Space Challenges
Selected redesign area from wayfinding map.
Reference photo of original room from site visit.
Visual References
A primary goal of mine was to use specific organism references from the bioluminescent world to infuse educational opportunities due to the room’s lack of live fish tanks, like these jellyfish-inspired ceiling lamps.
To make the new room’s set design feel more cohesive, I also identified the strongest features of other areas in the aquarium:
Bold kinetic sculptures
2. Specific themed zones
3. Interactive education
Modeling and Sketching Process
Strategic Design Details
My design choices were driven to achieve the rest and relaxation needs of a variety of audience groups, both within and beyond Adventure Aquarium’s existing visitor base.
Sand dollar play tables for kids
Located near the existing nursing room, with added divisions for art supplies to encourage calm playtime for young kids.
High school/college shell study tables
Surrounding the existing supportive poles for independent work, including a student discount to reach nearby schools like Rutgers, Camden.
Anglerfish nap pods
Located near the existing nursing room, encouraging quiet rest for parents with infants or young children.
Wave-shaped overlapping acoustic panels
Over the jellyfish lamps, these panels both obscure the existing pipes in the ceiling and absorb sound. Would be paired with speakers playing underwater wave sounds.
Wayfinding fish window decal
Blocking a view of a parking lot, this decal encourages the flow of foot traffic to move quickly on the left side of the poles, without disrupting the calmer space on the right side.
Coral tables overlooking harbor view
Coral tables and seashell chairs for visitors to eat or rest overlooking Adventure Aquarium’s view of Camden Harbor, a strong point of the original room.
