EXPERIMENT 2: Feasibility Experimentation for a Zoo in the Seagram Building
EXPERIMENT 2 DOCUMENTATION:
Yes, it's a tad dull, but in experimenting if a Zooscraper is feasible we decided for the first step we must run through fundamental building requirements, including circulation for zoo patrons, minimum massing requirements for animals, structural testing, and placement of animals in relation to each other.
Only when we were satisfied that these requirements could be fulfilled satisfactorily did we move onto the schematic design of the building.
-Circulation
The circulation is divided into 3 major lift stops and ramps. We ensured at no point did the ramp incline exceed 1:18, that there were landings in compliance with Australian Standards and also that every 3 storeys there was a completely flat level.
The circulation in each of the three areas has a different objective:
In the "Safari" area from the main entry it is very planar, and the circulation wraps outside the building as well as right inside of animal enclosures, this makes for a simulated horizontal experience, like one is wondering through a Savannah.
In the Primates area the ramps are narrow and wind around in between the primate enclosures - you can see above and below the ramps, so the overall impact is that you are hanging and suspended in a vertical space.
In the top section you wind down the ramps, at a slow and luxurious pace, passing the beautiful animals in this area almost like an exhibit as they line the circulation spaces.
-Minimum Massing
Above you can see the minimum massing animal requirements and supplementary services before it was organised as per the marketing image and experiment 3.
-STRUCTURAL STUDY
There was a question in designing our building about the animals that need large bodies of water and if this is possible – as we concluded that large bodies of water are heavier than any singular animal in the zoo, or even a group of animals – Below is the structural analysis of a leopard seal enclosure, one of the largest bodies of water in the zoo spanning 13mx18mx4m and weighing over 54 tonnes.
(54 N of Force UDLL, calculated estimating the amount of water required for the seal enclosure – 13mx18mx4m) on standard steel member UB + UC dimensions (see image for specific member details)
The Deflection forces on the columns and beams – the most deflected beam is highlighted to be analysed.
The Deflection on the most deflected beam – 7mm
The maximum deflection before failing for a beam this size (125UB610) is 13.5mm, therefor it is easily structurally possible to have large masses of water in the building assuming correct waterproofing and reinforcing is provided.
-Animal Housing Requirements and Organization
We used the standards from the NSW Department of Primary Industries as the main basis of our animal enclosure parameters. The documents with the prescribed standards are here:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/animal-welfare/exhibit
Primates are the most complex animals found in the building with the most comprehensive set of requirements for their placement in proximity to one another and to the zoo patron:
Here are some non exhaustive notes on the prescribed standards for the housing of primates.
The relevant schedules and additional information are here:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/animal-welfare/exhibit/prescribed-standards/primates
Group caging
Primates must not be exhibited singly, with the exception of adult Orangutans. Primates
must be held with other members of their own species in one of the types of group
listed for that species in Schedule 3.
Construction
Enclosures may be open, semi-enclosed or totally enclosed or consist of islands surrounded by water.
Must be provided protection from wind, rain and extremes in temperature.
Access to both shade and sunlight.
Must include living or fresh vegetation.
For some species, this can be achieved by establishing plants in the exhibit or by using potted
plants or replenishable turf which can be rotated, to represent the natural habitat and preferably be accessible to the animals. It is recognised that with some species such as macaques and baboons, provision of a naturalistic setting may be difficult to maintain. In these instances, all attempts must be made to provide access to living vegetation and to other replenishable items, such as large cut branches and areas of natural substrate for foraging.
The majority of the enclosure must be out of visual range of any neighbouring exhibits
housing potential predator species or other groups of the same primate species if the species is territorial. Where visual contact is available, and signs of distress are observed, action must be taken to alleviate this distress.
This does not preclude the primates from being able to see other groups or potential predators from some parts of the exhibit. Such contact may in fact stimulate normal behaviours and provide for some level of enrichment. The effects will depend on the species and individuals.
Primate enclosures must be constructed so that the enclosed animals can rest at least 2
body lengths above the eye level of any member of the viewing public. Monkey pits are therefore not acceptable housing for any primate species. Exception: where the viewing public is in an enclosed building and views primates through a sealed glass frame and the primates are able to rest at least at the eye level of any member of the public viewing the animals from inside that building.
Body lengths are defined in Schedule 1.
Space
Minimum enclosure dimensions are set out in Schedule One.
These requirements are based on an enclosure to hold three animals or a pair plus offspring (except for Orangutan, where requirements are for two adults, and chimpanzees and gorillas where the minimum is for five adults). Exhibitors should refrain from basing enclosure designs solely on the minimum size however. In order to provide an appropriate environment, many factors must be provided for, space being just one of these. The size of the enclosure must be based on ability to provide all of the factors including; social grouping, climbing structures, nesting and feeding station and predicted growth of the group.
Substrate: the material which covers the ground or floor, for example bedding or litter placed on the
flooring of a cage, box, stall or enclosure, or the soil or grass covering of an outdoor ground surface.
The enclosure must be well drained.
Mixture of artificial and natural, or all natural substrate must be provided, to allow for
normal behaviours, such as foraging and scent marking.
Capture facilities
Each exhibit must allow access to an area such as a nest box, raceway or night den,
suitable for the physical isolation of individuals so that animals can be restricted for
close examination and veterinary treatment.
Requirements for Fences and other Enclosure Barriers
Schedule Two.
Exhibit Furniture
Schedule Three. Minimum height of mandatory climbing structures is given in Schedule One. Where more than one species are kept together, the cage furniture must be the sum of that required for each species. In general, enclosures must be furnished with horizontal, vertical and sloping pathways,
shelves and perches above ground level. New enclosures must include animal access doors at a level which allows the animals to use their normal method of locomotion (i.e. above ground level for arboreal and semi-arboreal species). There must be areas within the exhibit for any animal to withdraw from the group, (e.g.to hide from an aggressor) and from the public. This may be provided by visual
barriers.
Lighting
must be either natural or mimic that of the wild
Access to ample direct sunlight, or artificial light with a similar UV spectrum, is
required for maintenance of normal vitamin D levels in many species.
Temperature
between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Naturalism is not essential in off-exhibit holding enclosures, but is preferred because of the
benefits to the animals’ health and well being.
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