2.1. The Recent History of Zoo Design
Only a few zoo visitors may be aware that zoos are designed. However, when
comparing different zoos, it becomes obvious that they have evolved, based
on human attitudes towards nature and wildlife and the development of science
and technology.
Some zoos in Europe still remind of the time of menageries which began
in the thirteenth century. Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna for example, has
preserved its original architecture. This zoo was opened to the public
in 1779 and kept its name menagerie until 1926 (Kunze, 2000). The idea
of displaying exotic animals in strictly geometric barren enclosures comes
from the desire to celebrate control over nature. The organization of animal
collections at this time was mostly taxonomic, reflecting the contemporary
state of scientific research in zoology.
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| Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna, 1993 by Ebenhöh |
Carl Hagenbeck greatly influenced the design of zoos in 1907, when he
opened a new zoo in Stellingen, outside of Hamburg. He introduced large
open dry moats and steep overhanging artificial rockwork, to show animals
in panoramas without the visual obstruction of bars. Hagenbeck also broke
from the taxonomic organization and arranged animals for dramatic effects.
(L. Hagenbeck, 1956). These enclosures were inspired by romantic landscape
paintings, but mostly inadequate for the animals contained. The technique
of dry moats and artificial rockwork became very popular and can be found
in many European and North American zoos today.
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| Lion Exhibit in Hamburg, 1992 by Ebenhöh |
Tiger Exhibit in Arnhem, 1990 by Ebenhöh |
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| Orang Exhibit in Melbourne, 1995 by Haslinger |
Tiger Exhibit in San Francisco, 1991 by Ebenhöh |
Because the value of exotic animals increases with their endangerment,
zoos have tried to keep their animals alive by improving hygienic standards.
Ceramic tiles, steel and glass have become the prevailing materials of
enclosures and their furnishings, reflecting the increasing knowledge about
microbiology.
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| Small Mammal House in Lincoln Park, Chicago, 1991 by Ebenhöh |
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| Penguin Exhibit in London Zoo, 1989 by Ebenhöh |
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While most animal enclosures look very alike in their sterility on
the inside, the outside of zoo buildings has been changing with the styles
in art and architecture. Many of these exhibits tragically reflect human
dominance and ignorance for animal needs of their creators. |
With his book "Wild Animals in Captivity", Hediger set a bench-mark
in the theory of zoo design in 1950. He pointed to the relationship between
deficiencies of animal behavior and inadequacies of zoo facilities. Unfortunately,
behavioral problems of zoo animals are still acceptable in most places.
In 1976, Jones, Coe and Paulson (Jones et. al., 1976) introduced
the concept of landscape immersion with their Long-Range Plan for Woodland
Park Zoo. The idea of landscape immersion is, to replicate the species'
natural environment and to place the viewer within the animal's habitat.
The concept reflects the increasing awareness of the interdependence of
living creatures and their environment. The organization of the animal
exhibits relates to zoo-geography and takes the ecology of the site into
account. Since advances in prophylaxis and medication allow the use natural
materials in animal enclosures, plants have become the major feature in
this type of animal exhibit.
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| Brown Bear Exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, 1999
by Ebenhöh |
Additionally, synthetic fibers have become popular in zoo design. Molds
taken from natural forms are turned into naturalistic copies of rocks,
plants or anything found in nature. Both, natural and artificial materials
can be used to replicate the natural habitat of the displayed animal as
convincing as possible. Lately, designer have been emphasizing the relationship
between traditional people and wildlife and arranging sequences of stories
about it.
| Story about an African Safari |
Story about the Arctic |
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| Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, 1999 by Ebenhöh |
Sea World's Beluga Exhibit in Orlando, 1999 by Ebenhöh |
Because animals might be hard to see in spacious natural exhibits, design
techniques have been developed to provide positive incentives for the animal
to stay in view. Furthermore, audio-visual technology is used to provide
memorable experiences for zoo visitors.
Today, the pace of evolution in zoo design is uneven. Some institutions
are experimenting with more subtle barriers such as thin steel nets and
light barriers. Others are stuck with the tradition of menageries. Concern
for animal welfare and captive breeding of endangered species will probably
be the driving force for zoo design in the future.
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