Executive Summary
The Mangrove Adventure & Climbing Structure is an interactive climbing experience developed for the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Developed from a concept provided by the client’s design team, Alice Scenic Studios served as the subcontractor and custom fabrication partner, handling engineering development, technical detailing, structural fabrication, custom woodwork, and overall fabrication of the unit.
Alice Scenic Studios transformed the approved design intent into a fully manufacturable climbing structure, combining structural steel, natural wood elements, climbing ropes, and safety netting into a cohesive interactive experience.
The project was completed in 2026.
Engineering Development & Technical Documentation
Alice Scenic Studios developed the approved concept into a coordinated production package designed for accurate manufacturing and assembly.
Our technical scope included:
- Comprehensive 2D technical shop drawings
- 3D fabrication and production models
- Complete manufacturing documentation
- Production engineering
- Structural and architectural detailing
- Coordination of fabrication requirements
- Client-requested revisions throughout development and fabrication
The technical documentation provided the foundation for precise manufacturing while ensuring that the structural and architectural components could be fabricated according to the approved design intent.
Structural Steel Fabrication
The climbing structure required a durable structural framework designed for an interactive visitor environment.
Alice Scenic Studios fabricated the structural steel framework using:
- Heavy-duty structural steel box sections
- Precision cutting and welding
- High-tensile metric M10 steel bolts and hardware
- Industrial powder coating for exposed steel components
The completed framework provides a robust structural foundation capable of supporting the climbing experience and repeated visitor interaction.
Custom Natural Wood Elements
Natural wood elements were incorporated to complement the mangrove-inspired design and create functional climbing and walking surfaces.
Alice Scenic Studios fabricated:
- Custom natural wood panels
- Natural wood ramps
- Functional walking and climbing surfaces
- Architectural wood elements
- CNC-machined wood components inspired by organic mangrove root forms
Protective coatings were applied to the custom wood elements to support durability within the interactive environment.
Climbing Rope System
The climbing experience incorporated custom climbing rope systems integrated with the structural framework.
Alice Scenic Studios:
- Procured the required climbing ropes
- Integrated and assembled the rope systems
- Coordinated rope placement with the structural framework
- Integrated custom rope anchoring hardware according to approved fabrication documentation
This integration helped create a functional climbing environment while maintaining coordination between the structural and interactive components.
Safety Net System
Safety netting was integrated into the climbing structure as part of the completed unit.
Alice Scenic Studios:
- Procured the required safety netting
- Integrated and assembled the netting
- Coordinated the system with the structural framework
- Fabricated and installed perimeter lashing systems for net integration and tensioning
The safety components were incorporated into the overall fabrication process to support the requirements of the interactive climbing experience.
Scenic & Immersive Elements
The project combined structural fabrication with natural and scenic elements to create an engaging environment inspired by mangrove landscapes.
The original project scope included the fabrication of scenic architectural elements, including an overhead spiral canopy, alongside the structural and wood components.
Together, the structural framework, natural wood ramps, climbing ropes, safety systems, and scenic elements translate the mangrove-inspired concept into a hands-on visitor experience.
Built for an Interactive Museum Experience
The Mangrove Adventure & Climbing Structure required more than individual fabricated components. Engineering, durability, safety, and visitor interaction had to work together as part of one completed unit.
Alice Scenic Studios brought together:
- Heavy-duty structural steel
- Natural wood ramps and panels
- Custom millwork
- Climbing rope systems
- Safety netting
- Scenic fabrication
- Precision technical documentation
- Protective finishes
- Overall unit fabrication
The result is a durable, interactive climbing structure designed to support hands-on visitor engagement within a science museum environment.
Alice Scenic Studios Services
For the MODS Mangrove Adventure & Climbing Structure, Alice Scenic Studios provided:
- Engineering Development
- Production Engineering
- 2D & 3D Technical Shop Drawings
- Structural Steel Fabrication
- Industrial Powder Coating
- Custom Millwork
- CNC Millwork
- Natural Wood Ramp Fabrication
- Rope System Integration
- Safety Net Integration
- Scenic Fabrication
- Production Coordination
- Overall Unit Fabrication
- Installation Support
Museum Exhibit Fabrication for Interactive Experiences
The MODS Mangrove Adventure & Climbing Structure demonstrates Alice Scenic Studios’ ability to bring complex interactive exhibit concepts into production through coordinated engineering, technical detailing, and fabrication.
Our capabilities support projects requiring multiple fabrication disciplines, including structural steel, custom millwork, scenic elements, climbing systems, and safety integration.
Explore our Museum Exhibit Fabrication capabilities to learn more about how Alice Scenic Studios supports interactive museum and science-center environments.
About Alice Scenic Studios
Alice Scenic Studios specializes in transforming creative concepts into production-ready environments through engineering development, technical detailing, precision fabrication, and installation support.
Our capabilities include museums, science centers, themed entertainment, immersive attractions, visitor experiences, broadcast studios, cruise entertainment, and custom architectural environments.
