THE FLOATING WATER WORKSHOP

A Living Laboratory for Urban Wildlife, Play, and Discovery on the Delaware River

 
 

The Floating Water Workshop is an imaginative new public space designed to restore critical turtle habitat, spark scientific discovery, and inspire all-ages engagement with the river that defines Philadelphia. Combining conservation science, hands-on learning, public art, and green infrastructure, the Workshop transforms an industrial waterfront into a floating sanctuary for wildlife and people alike.

Interactive Learning & Games

The Workshop invites kids and adults to engage directly with science through:

  • Real-time data displays from turtle nest monitors

  • A hands-on nursery game illustrating turtle survival challenges

  • Interpretive signage along the Delaware River Trail

  • A staffed visitor kiosk to deepen learning and spark curiosity

Art Meets Science

The Workshop’s public art installations celebrate the beauty of freshwater ecosystems. One sculpture—featuring steel and glass blossoms modeled on native spatterdock lilies—will honor inspiring environmentalists and STEAM role models. These installations foster creative and emotional connections to the river’s living systems.

Science in Real Time

From March through September, researchers from Drexel University will be onsite monitoring turtle populations. Visitors can observe:

  • Turtle marking and measurement

  • Radio telemetry tracking in action

  • Scientists using a transmitter receiver station to locate turtles across the river

Children and families can step up to join researchers in action, seeing firsthand how field science protects threatened species.

Roof Meadow, Water Spouts, and Bird Houses

Perched above the Workshop is a bird and butterfly sanctuary that doubles as an advanced green infrastructure system:

  • A Roof Meadow featuring native plants provides year-round habitat for birds, butterflies, and pollinators

  • Hanging rain sculptures feed collected water into biome planters and the Turtle Landing wetlands

  • Competing water spouts demonstrate water flow at different rates

  • Vegetated roofs filter and clean stormwater, reducing runoff pollution into the Delaware River

  • Stored rainwater supports mussel habitats and non-potable needs during dry spells

  • Thermal insulation from green roofs lowers energy consumption in on-site buildings

  • This “Protector Scape” where land and water meet offers both beauty and environmental function

Turtle Landing: Habitat in Action

With 75% of the world’s turtles at risk of extinction, the Workshop’s Turtle Landing restores essential habitat long lost to urban development. This floating wetland will:

  • Mimic natural nesting zones where turtles bask, feed, and lay eggs

  • Feature native plants that filter pollutants and support biodiversity

  • Serve as a hub for long-term turtle research and conservation

Floating decks and planted islands will give turtles refuge while offering visitors an up-close look at how habitat restoration works.

Turtle Hatchery & Nursery

A custom-built hatchery sandbox will let visitors observe the life cycle of freshwater turtles—from eggs to hatchlings. Designed to balance sun, soil, and safety, the hatchery will be fenced and shaded to protect against urban predators, with young turtles nurtured onsite or in nursery care until they’re ready to return to the wild.

Gather, Reflect, Recharge

Visitors will find ample places to relax and take in the view. Reconfigurable seating throughout the Water Lounge and River Room invites conversation, creativity, or quiet reflection. A sculptural seating area at Turtle Landing lets guests observe researchers and resident turtles up close in a dedicated 400–500 gallon tank.

Roofed sections of the Workshop, topped with solar panels and pollinator-friendly green roofs, provide seasonal comfort while expanding urban habitats for birds, bees, and butterflies.

Ongoing Community Involvement

Whether it’s signing up for turtle updates, following along on social media, or visiting again to see how the habitat evolves, the Floating Water Workshop offers many ways to stay connected. Conservation is a shared effort—and everyone has a role to play.

Experiential Learning for All

Working at the intersection of creativity, real science, and rich citizen engagement, the Workshop bridges Philadelphia’s built and aquatic worlds. Unique and innovative exhibits are designed for group or individual enjoyment, including:

  • Multi-media immersion: Immersive Theater, Interactive Digital River Play

  • Technology: Hydrology Laboratory, Riverscape Orchestra Keyboards, Weather Station

  • Living collections: Roof Meadow and Bird Habitat, Turtle Landing

  • Hands-on water play: Dynamic Wave Table, Find the Rainbow Interactive, Blue Mind Sound Room

These living exhibitions enhance the biodiversity and vitality of the river while serving as evolving educational laboratories that can inspire similar ecological efforts citywide.

Project Partners

This project is led by Habithèque Inc., specialists in experience planning and design, and made possible by a diverse team of experts in conservation, engineering, education, and public art:

  • Biohabitats – Ecological restoration and integrated water strategies

  • Gecko Group, Hands On! Studio – Graphic and exhibit architectural design

  • FableVision – Media design and development

  • Karen Lefkovitz – Education and curriculum

  • Stemann Pease Architecture, Architectural and Structural Engineering Services

  • Studio Sustena – Landscape architecture and civil engineering

  • Meliora Design – Sustainable site design and water resources

  • Urban Engineers, Elliot Bay – Marine and naval engineering

  • Mark B. Thompson & Associates – Historic preservation

  • 15 Minutes Inc. – Cause-related marketing, advertising, and PR