Tactile Storytelling: Co-Developing 3D Artefacts for Experiential Learning at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
An interactive research collaboration developing tactile 3D-printed sculptures to enhance accessible storytelling and visitor engagement across Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s natural landscape.
This project is generously supported by a Mobilize Grant from the NSERC College and Community Innovation Program and facilitated by Emily Carr’s Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship.
Year: 2026
Role: Research Faculty, Project Coordinator
Type:
About the project
Shumka X Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a collaborative industry research project that explores how tactile, digitally fabricated sculptures can make interpretive storytelling in an outdoor tourism setting more interactive, accessible, and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Faculty, students, and industry partners will work together to create small-scale, tactile 3D-printed sculptured artifacts that are integrated into interpretive panels throughout the park. From February to May 2026, student research assistants (RAs) will collaborate with CSBP’s Show Team through a series of focused production phases, including research, concept development, 3D modelling, prototyping, and in-park testing. These sculptures will translate CSBP’s ecological stories into durable, hands-on artworks designed for this world-class attraction.
Project objectives
Transform CSBP’s existing ecological and interpretive narratives into durable, touchable sculptural forms for outdoor, high traffic environments
Develop and test a consistent visual and material language for small “cameo-style” sculptures that balance interaction, safety, and durability
Provide students with hands-on research experience in 3D modelling, fabrication, and collaborative design within a real-world tourism context
Deliver production-ready assets and fabrication workflows that CSBP can continue to build on in future projects
