Shumka x Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Shumka X Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a collaborative industry research project led by Cemre Demiralp and Jennifer Woodin in partnership with Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (CSBP). This collaboration 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.
CSBP will receive production-ready 3D assets, material specifications, and documented fabrication processes that can be used beyond the project timeline, while students gain real-world experience in applied design and digital fabrication.
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
Project Team
Cemre Demiralp – Lead, Emily Carr University
Jennifer Woodin – Sessional Faculty Co-Lead, Emily Carr University
Erik Asia – Sessional Faculty, Emily Carr University
Jose Kuribrena – Research Assistant, Emily Carr University
Tessa Krochak – Research Assistant, Emily Carr University
David Laulainen – Lead, CSBP Storytelling Program
Rob Schlyecher – Marketing Director, CSBP
Rhian Bek – Assistant Operations Manager, Show Team, CSBP
Project Partner
The Capilano Group comprises of retail, hospitality and tourism-based businesses anchored by Vancouver’s popular tourist attraction, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The Capilano Group’s diverse portfolio includes two accommodation properties in the Canadian Rockies, two retail gift shops in BC and Alberta and several food and beverage facilities.
Native Vancouverite Nancy Stibbard purchased Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in 1983 and has spearheaded the attraction’s development and phenomenal increase in attendance over the past thirty plus years. Nancy’s commitment to exceeding guest expectations and providing truly memorable experiences is the service promise on which the Capilano Group is founded. All of the organization’s marketing, administrative and financial activities are conducted from its headquarters at the Suspension Bridge location. Capilano Group employs over two hundred people seasonally in addition to the over two hundred year-round positions. Students receive exceptional training and, on average, return for three seasons.
Nancy Stibbard’s vision for the Capilano Group is to create experiences that people are amazed by. Following on her success at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, she has created and developed premium tourism related properties in truly unmatched natural settings.