Part 2: How

My design process for the river environment project was anything but linear. It unfolded through continuous exploration, trial and error, conceptual pivots, and a steep learning curve as I navigated unfamiliar materials and techniques. Creating a slice of nature that could function as a self-contained unit proved to be challenging yet rewarding. This project demanded patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt as I encountered obstacles and discovered new possibilities along the way.

Exploration and Initial Concept Development

The journey began with extensive ideation and research during the first two weeks. I immersed myself in sketching early concepts ranging from terrariums to planters, going on hikes to be filled with inspiration, and watching content from creators like SerpaDesign who specialize in miniature landscapes. These initial explorations helped me understand the balance between naturalism and scale, specifically how to create something that felt authentic despite its contained dimensions. I was particularly drawn to designs that incorporated water elements, as they added movement and life to otherwise static displays.

Simultaneously, I focused on skill acquisition, recognizing the technical demands of the project. I dedicated time to learning acrylic cutting, researching different adhesives, and studying waterproofing methods through tutorials on aquarium construction. This preparation proved invaluable, though I would later discover that theoretical knowledge only takes you so far when working with physical materials that have their own quirks and behaviors

Evolving Vision and Material Gathering

By week three, my concept had evolved significantly from a closed terrarium to an open-top river aesthetic. I briefly considered creating a planter with an integrated fountain before finally settling on a clear acrylic box design that would showcase a cross-section of a natural riverbed. This conceptual pivot was driven by both aesthetic preferences and practical considerations about maintenance and longevity.

The material gathering phase was much more time consuming than anticipated. I visited multiple stores to compare containers, acrylic sheets, and adhesives, evaluating them for clarity, durability, and workability. I purchased items like the aquarium pump, silicone sealant, and certain moss varieties. The most enjoyable part of this phase was a weekend hiking trip where I collected natural elements, carefully selecting rocks with interesting textures, gathering fallen bark and twigs, and harvesting small patches of moss (being mindful to take only what was abundant and sustainable).

Each material was chosen not just for its functional properties but for how it would contribute to the overall aesthetic. I sought rocks with varied colors and textures, looking for pieces that could create natural looking transitions and water paths. The bark needed to appear weathered but not decayed, and the moss needed to be resilient enough to adapt to its new environment. This careful selection process would later prove crucial to achieving the naturalistic look I was aiming for.

The Challenge of Fabrication

The actual fabrication process began once I had fully committed to the clear acrylic river slice design. Using a clear storage bin as my starting point, I measured and cut acrylic panels to form internal compartments, one for circulating water and others to hold soil and plants along the sides. Cutting the acrylic precisely was my first technical challenge; without access to a laser cutter, I relied on a fine-tooth saw blade and careful measurements, though achieving perfectly clean edges was very difficult. 

My first attempt at assembling the structure used hot glue due to its accessibility and quick setting time. This decision quickly revealed itself as a misstep when water testing showed immediate leaks along the seams. I then attempted to reinforce these joints with super glue, thinking the stronger adhesive would seal the gaps. This solution held briefly before also failed, forcing me to pause and reconsider my approach entirely.

This setback led to another round of research, where I discovered that professional aquarium builders use specialized silicone sealant for water-tight acrylic constructions. After acquiring aquarium-safe silicone from a hardware store, I meticulously removed all traces of previous adhesives using isopropyl alcohol to ensure proper bonding. I then applied generous but controlled beads of silicone along each joint, smoothing them with a gloved finger to create watertight seals. The patience required during the 48-hour curing period was challenging but necessary rushing this step would have compromised the entire project.

The water test following this curing period was a moment of triumph. The structure remained completely watertight, finally providing a reliable foundation upon which I could build the aesthetic elements of the project. This experience taught me the importance of using appropriate materials from the start and highlighted how cutting corners early in a process often leads to more work later.

Creating a Miniature Ecosystem

With the structural foundation secured, I turned my attention to transforming the empty container into a living slice of nature. I began by filling the side compartments with nutrient rich soil to create planting zones for low maintenance, humidity loving plants. These green elements would frame the central water feature while adding layers of texture and color to the composition.

The riverbed creation was the most intricate and satisfying part of the project. I started with a base layer of smooth gravel to establish drainage and define the water’s path. With this foundation in place, I began the detailed work of arranging collected rocks to form natural-looking banks and small pools. Each stone was positioned deliberately flatter rocks where water would flow smoothly, rougher stones to create texture and miniature waterfalls, smaller pebbles to fill gaps and create transitions.

This was one little stream I saw on a hike, and it served as a source of inspiration for my project.

Moss was tucked carefully between rocks and along the edges, softening hard lines and adding a lush green element that contrasted beautifully with the stone. Small twigs and pieces of bark were positioned to look as though they had fallen naturally into the stream, creating miniature dams and diversions for the water. Throughout this process, I worked intuitively, stepping back frequently to assess the overall composition and make adjustments to maintain visual balance and natural appearance.

Technical Integration and Refinement

The water circulation system presented its own set of challenges. I installed a small aquarium pump in the center compartment, carefully concealing it beneath gravel and a cover fashioned from bark and stones. A discreet plastic tube connected this pump to the top of the arrangement, allowing water to be recirculated in a continuous loop that mimicked the downhill flow of a natural stream. Finding the right water flow rate required experimentation too forceful and it would disrupt the carefully arranged elements; too gentle and it would fail to create the bubbling sounds and rippling effects that brought the scene to life.

Once the basic system was functioning, I spent several days fine-tuning details: adjusting stone positions to control water movement, adding fine moss to soften transitions, and placing tiny bits of visual interest throughout the composition. I cleaned fingerprints from the acrylic sides and adjusted lighting to highlight the dimensional aspects of the design. This meticulous attention to detail transformed a simple concept into a truly immersive miniature landscape.

Reflection and Future Directions

Looking back at the evolution from my initial sketches to the final piece, the transformation is remarkable. What began as a straightforward terrarium idea developed into a dynamic, multisensory experience that captures the essence of a forest stream. The layered textures, flowing water, and organic composition created something that feels discovered rather than manufactured a slice of wilderness preserved in an acrylic frame.

If I could revisit the process, I would have started with the proper materials immediately rather than experimenting with unsuitable adhesives. I would also have allocated more time for plant selection and placement, as this aspect felt somewhat rushed compared to the careful attention given to the hardscape elements.

The completed piece now sits in my room, adding a calming presence through its gentle water sounds and connection to nature. Its surprisingly low maintenance requirements make it a practical addition to my space as well as an aesthetic one. I plan to continue enhancing it over time, perhaps adding new moss varieties or small plants as I discover them on future hikes. I’m also contemplating a second version that might incorporate subtle lighting or a fog element to create different atmospheric effects throughout the day.

This project taught me invaluable lessons about material properties, visual composition, problem-solving, and the importance of patience. Most significantly, it reinforced my belief that designing for aesthetic experience can be just as technically demanding and rewarding as creating purely functional objects. The process of crafting this small slice of nature has deepened my appreciation for the intricate details of natural environments and strengthened my skills as a maker and designer.