As the world’s cities expand, natural ecosystems face increased pressure. Within many urban populations there is a growing disconnect between people and wildlife. While not everyone has the opportunity to experience nature and wildlife first-hand, experiential design is proving to be a powerful tool in bridging this gap. Immersive and interactive storytelling is helping citizens engage with the natural world and wildlife no matter where they are – promoting a deeper understanding on critical conservation issues.
“In a rapidly urbanising world, it’s crucial to design experiences that reconnect people with nature. We cannot lose sight of this,” says Peter Hutchings, Head of Experience at formula D_. “Through immersive storytelling, we can foster connection and empathy, which then inspires citizens to take action to protect our planet’s biodiversity in one way or another.”
formula D_, a leading experiential design firm, is at the forefront of a design movement aiming to build deeper connections between citizens and nature. Working with some of the world’s top museums, science centres, and cities, formula D_is creating meaningful ‘virtual encounters’ between people and wildlife. These experiences not only spark curiosity but also deepen understanding of biodiversity and the challenges facing endangered species.
As the world celebrates World Wildlife Day on 03 March 2025, it’s a good opportunity to remind us of the urgency of conserving critically endangered species, habitats and life support systems. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Living Planet Index, monitored wildlife populations have declined by 73% over the past 50 years, with Africa experiencing a 76% drop. Freshwater species have been hit hardest, experiencing an 85% reduction. South Africa alone has 55 ecosystems classified as critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for more support for conservation efforts.
“Urbanisation is known to be a key driver of this biodiversity loss, but it also presents an opportunity to embed conservation into everyday life,” says Hutchings. “Nature-based urban placemaking – an approach that designs cities to prioritize both human needs and ecosystems – can help reverse this trend. By integrating green spaces, interactive installations, and digital experiences, cities can create a culture of environmental stewardship among citizens.”
Along with the importance of nature-based urban place-making, nature-focused exhibits in museums and science centres can make conservation more tangible for the everyday citizen. formula D_’s project at the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, for instance, allows visitors to engage with the world of gorillas, understanding the threats they face, and the efforts needed to protect them. Parts of the interactive exhibits allow visitors to step into the shoes of renowned conservationist, Dian Fossey, and relive her pioneering work. The gorilla-movement map offers visitors a glimpse into the behaviour and habitat of these magnificent creatures. At the “gorilla chat” station, visitors delve into the subtleties of gorilla communication by listening to various vocalisations and attempting to mimic them. In doing so, visitors get to connect with both the gorillas and scientists, and experience a very real sense of their world.
“Through these immersive and interactive experiences, people gain a personal stake in protecting these animals and their habitats,” says Hutchings. “The intersection of experiential design and conservation holds immense potential. By making biodiversity a visible and engaging part of urban life, we can reshape how people perceive and interact with the natural world. As cities continue to grow, the challenge is not just to protect nature – but to design for it.”
To find out more about formula D_’s work, visit https://formula-d.com/