The Natural History Museum really does come alive, and not just at night: one of New York's most well-known museums is home to live and stuffed animals alike. After admiring the massive mammoths, you begin to notice the vivariums. The word itself is defined as a semi-natural space designed for specific flora and fauna for viewing and study. Maximizing the efficiency of a vivarium is just as important in the design of a window display. Understanding the relationship between animal and the viewer, designer Roy Lorieo shows his design and fabrication process.

Living space for Tree Frogs in New York's best known Upper West Side museum

With a diverse education, studying architecture at Yale and design at Pratt, it only seems natural for Roy Lorieo to pursue such a project. The vivarium is designed for Tree Frogs in the Natural History Museum. As an exhibition designer, Roy has also worked on a Traveling Dinosaur Exhibit as seen here on his Coroflot portfolio.

Blue foam construction shows more dynamic living space that will improve life longevity for the Tree Frogs

The previous vivarium suffered many design flaws that hindered the living habits of the frogs, as well making upkeep by the caretakers difficult. Roy addressed the flaws and sought out a solution.

Taking these issues as n opportunity to improve on the old design, interactive elements like cameras were incorporated into the environment. The cameras mounted inside the habitat allow panning, zooming and tilting which are controlled from a near by kiosk.

If in the past you have had difficulty in justifying going to any other museum then the MoMA, go the Natural History Museum to experience design and nature colloborate with one another.