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...note that visitors to such institutions have changed; visitors of the 21st Century are active learners, preferring active involvement in lieu of passive experiences. In contrast to the conventional model whereby visitors receive information in didactic, curator-centered format, the modern recreational learner desires an environment in which they are actively involved in the learning experience. The Flint RiverQuarium successfully promotes knowledge about water conservation and aquatic wildlife in Georgia because exhibit displays, visitor activities, and even the building that houses the exhibits have been designed to accommodate the learning styles of today's recreational learner.
Key words: Flint RiverQuarium, aquifer, Flint River, Chattahoochee River, Apalachicola River, blue hole, interactive exhibits, aquariums, informal learning, recreational learning.
INTRODUCTION: The Need for an Aquarium in Albany, Georgia
When the Flint RiverQuarium opened on Labor Day, 2004, major aquariums were present in Chattanooga, Tenn. and Charleston, S.C., and another would soon open in Atlanta, Ga. Yet, a definite need existed for an aquarium in Albany, Georgia based upon economic factors and a local need to promote knowledge about Georgia's aquatic resources. Damage from a major flood in 1994, followed by another flood in 1998, had transformed downtown Albany into an abandoned city. As a result of these floods, civic leaders began a planning process for an innovative attraction to restore commercial activity in downtown Albany.
Additionally, there was also a need to promote knowledge about aquatic resources in Georgia. Public awareness about aquatic resources is particularly important in Southwest Georgia due to the escalating competition between Georgia, Florida and Alabama over usage of the Flint, Chattahoochee and Apalachicola rivers (1). Collectively, the need to promote commerce in downtown Albany and the need to promote public awareness about aquatic resources resulted in the construction of the Flint RiverQuarium.
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Building Architecture, Exhibit Display, and Visitor Activities: A New...
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