Beyond circulation and animal welfare the zoo is arranged (curated) not according to genealogy but to thematic links.
(please click on individual images to see in clearer detail)
Section 1: Safari /"Arctica": Contrast
In this section the theme is CONTRAST. There are two groups of animals with two different strategic themes that sit interwoven with one another.
The “Safari” section is all about large African animals, and winding through the large exhibits on long ramps of low incline, you can at points walk into the animal enclosure (walk amongst the Zebras, Antelope and Gazelle on an elevated platform in their exhibit) and at times see more than one animal at a time (Cheetah in front Hyena behind). The circulation also winds out and around the exterior of the building envelope. The overall feel is that of a horizontal journey through a flat, vast and horizontal artificial landscape.
This contrasts sharply with the “Arctica” section, which features animals from Antarctica and The Arctic Circle. These animals are close together and joined via Hydraulic lift in the rear. You are surrounded by animals, ice and water on all sides with no views to the outside world. With large slabs of glass showing cross sections through the water bodies of the exhibits, the zoo patrons are totally immersed in an icy, glassy and modern experience.
It is an area of HOT/COLD, VAST SPACE/IMMERSION, UNCONTROLLED WONDERING/CONTROLLED DESCENT, DRY/WATER.
Section 2: Play + Interaction
This section is all about animals that humans can engage with on a more interactive and intimate level. It’s about fun.
First the zoo patrons can wonder through the Primate hanging jungle, weaving in and out of the primate enclosures on elevated platforms to interact with the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom at eye level whilst experiencing a vertical and hanging experience.
Next one can enter the “Cute Arena” wondering around small animal enclosures than make you go “awww”, you can view meerkats, pandas and lemurs on a small intimate scale, before entering into the “Australian Patting Zoo” where you can get up close and pat a Kangaroo.
Section 3: Paradise and Luxury
This section is about excess and indulgence. It is themed to reflect the menageries of the past. In here you start at the top level and luxuriously wind down through exhibits of unashamedly exotic and dangerous animals: brightly coloured birds next to black panthers, exquisitely patterned snakes sit behind class lining the circulation spaces. It is all moodily lit with spot lights on the animals, like walking through sparkly gems on display in a jewellery store. The downward ramping makes it an easy, slow, and luxurious experience of the visual senses.
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