Ottawa Riverkeeper

Overview

The Learning Lab, located at the NCC River House, is a unique destination in the heart of Canada’s National Capital Region where visitors can engage, discover, and connect with the Ottawa River.

Client: Ottawa Riverkeeper
Project: Ottawa Riverkeeper's Learning Lab
Size: 2,689 sq. ft.
Project Delivery: Design-Build

Scope: Exhibit Design - Nature
Location: Ottawa, ON
Design Completed: 2025

The
Goal

The Learning Lab is a hub for the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s work in science, education, and advocacy – a place to share, teach, and connect. A place where future water leaders will be nurtured, mentored, and inspired through experiential learning; it’s a catalyst for restoration, reconciliation, and stewardship projects. River House is the new homebase that helps to further their role as a trusted watershed advocate, educator, and convener; it ensures a legacy to swim, drink, and fish Canadian waters for generations to come. This work comes alive through interpretation using their freshwater science laboratory, flexible learning space, and the location directly on the Ottawa River.

Photo courtesy of Ottawa Riverkeeper

Photo courtesy of Holman Exhibits

The
Design

Reich&Petch and Holman Exhibits partnered with Ottawa Riverkeeper to create a dynamic new exhibit experience that captivates visitors, brings the organization’s brand to life, and invites hands-on exploration. Inspired by the rippling movement of the Ottawa River, the exhibit features engaging interactive tables that explore key river themes and spotlight the vital work of Ottawa Riverkeeper. The content is designed to evolve over time, keeping each visit fresh and relevant. Every element of the exhibit is highly flexible and mobile, allowing the space to quickly transform from an exhibit into a classroom or meeting room. Built from lightweight yet extremely durable aluminum, the components are easy to move into storage and engineered to withstand challenging conditions—including summer humidity, winter cold, and the risk of flooding—ensuring long-term performance in a climatically uncontrolled environment.

The
Result

Visitors of the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Learning Lab will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the Ottawa River watershed.

Ottawa Riverkeeper

Client: Ottawa Riverkeeper
Project: Ottawa Riverkeeper's Learning Lab
Size: 2,689 sq. ft.
Project Delivery: Design-Build
Scope: Exhibit Design - Nature
Location: Ottawa, ON
Design Completed: 2025

Overview

The Learning Lab, located at the NCC River House, is a unique destination in the heart of Canada’s National Capital Region where visitors can engage, discover, and connect with the Ottawa River.