At Panorama, we believe in the power of storytelling and design to shift how people see the world—and what they believe is possible. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Pole Creek Foundation to launch the Reimagining Tomorrow: Sustainable Climate Solutions Exhibit Design Challenge: an ambitious initiative bringing together science, creativity, and community to reframe the climate conversation.
Too often, climate communication focuses on despair and loss. Young people in particular are left with a sense of hopelessness rather than agency. This challenge flips that script—spotlighting progress, highlighting solutions, and helping people imagine a thriving, sustainable future.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes
This fall, two of the country’s most innovative exhibit design firms—Quatrefoil Associates and Thinc Design—are rolling up their sleeves. Both are known for transforming complex science into immersive experiences that spark curiosity and dialogue. Over the next several months, they’ll develop bold concepts for climate exhibits that translate the latest climate science into interactive and accessible storytelling, highlight real progress already underway, inspire shared learning between children, families, and communities, and spark optimism and action rather than doom and gloom.
Guiding this work is a distinguished panel of advisors whose expertise spans climate science, communication, and public engagement. The panel includes Diana Johns, retired Vice President of Exhibits & Life Sciences at the Pacific Science Center; Mark Lynas, author, journalist, and strategic advisor at WePlanet; Katherine Markova, Partnerships Manager at Climate Interactive; Dr. Guillaume Mauger, State Climatologist for Washington and climate scientist at the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group; Gabrielle Fitzgerald, Founder & CEO of Panorama; and Steven Buchsbaum, Co-Founder of the Pole Creek Foundation. Together, they will ensure that the exhibit concepts are scientifically rigorous, deeply engaging, and powerful in shifting the climate narrative toward solutions and possibility.
Why It Matters
Science centers and public spaces are uniquely positioned to make climate solutions real. Imagine not just reading about climate change, but experimenting with interactive simulations, testing different policy choices, or seeing what a Net Zero future could look like in your own community. That’s the kind of dynamic, participatory learning this challenge aims to unlock.
“We believe there is strong scientific evidence that we can achieve a Net Zero future without sacrificing human thriving. Much progress has already been made, but it is often underappreciated. Through this challenge, we aim to shift the narrative—grounding it in science but focused on the solutions that can lead us to a sustainable future.”
- Lori and Steve Buchsbaum, Co-Founders, Pole Creek Foundation
The Road Ahead
This fall, the design teams will begin shaping their exhibit concepts with guidance from advisors. In early 2026, based on concepts presented, teams will likely advance to full exhibit development—provided we secure additional funding and partnerships with science centers or other public institutions. By the following year, we envision prototype exhibits being fabricated and launched.
Realizing this vision will depend on collaboration and new investment, and that’s part of the excitement. The challenge is not an endpoint, but a beginning—an open invitation for others to partner with us in bringing these climate stories to life. By blending rigorous science with interactive design, these exhibits will give people of all ages the chance to explore climate solutions and feel empowered about the role they can play inbuilding a sustainable future.
