The core objective of any design in architecture is to enhance the user experience and meet their needs when they utilize this space. Architects now take into consideration all the basic ergonomics, including mental well-being. However, the case is different when humans have to design for animals. The whole narrative changes and the focal point of the design is no more ergonomics and well-being, but the amusement of the human race. 

The beginning of concept of the zoo began long back in 2500 BCE in Egypt when Mesopotamian rulers held captive wild animals in small cages for education and amusement.

However, with the passage of time and human interest in zoology, the modern zoo emerged in the 18th century for the behavioral understanding of animals. Today, the designs of zoos are changing. If not all, at least a few have started coming up with various ways of engaging animals and humans in one space for the benefit of all. 

But the question here is, are zoos necessary? Do humans need to look at captive animals for their amusement? The answer is NO. 

The need for zoos which offer amusement is not required, but zoos which save endangered species from poachers, and offer the animals a safe and appropriate environment alongside educating humans on the different habitats animals live in. 

Modern Definition of A Zoo:

The modern understanding of a zoo goes beyond amusement and is more inclined towards animal welfare, education, research and animal conservation. Although, modern zoos have changed the way they look at animal enclosures, which now they call ‘habitats’ barely meet the needs of animals. 

The habitats provided are only a shade better than the old menagerie cages and barely look like a natural habitat where the animals would be comfortable. Concrete trees, fake rocks, hanging wires and concrete surfaces are a complete scenario where no animal can be content. 

A Shift In The Perspective:

“In short, zoos need to move away from being places that essentially just put animals on show, and evolve into museums of life.” says David Hancocks, zoo architect. 

Understanding animal welfare and well-being should be at the core of designing a zoo. Architects, landscape architects, botanical advisors and animal psychologists play a key role in making a modern zoo. 

David Hancocks, the renowned zoo architect, significantly influenced the design and perception of zoos. In 1970, the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle drastically changed its attitude towards animals when it freed the Gorillas from their concrete cages and moved them into a lush green landscape of tall grass and flowing water — the natural habitat of an ape. 

Landscape Immersion:

Landscape immersion is an exhibit where the animals and the visitors both experience the natural wild habitat of the animal. This kind of design meets the behavioral needs of the animal, which includes visual barriers and flight distance — a distance/space enough to keep animals from the gawking eyes of humans and other animals. 

The Singapore Zoo presents various zones from Australia to Wild Africa like ‘The Fragile Forest’, which presents a tropical rainforest habitat for a variety of species, including the Malayan flying fox, Lesser mouse-deer, white-faced Saki monkey, and many more. 

The Wild Africa zone at the Singapore Zoo presents a diverse range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to harsh deserts for animals like African lions, Zebra, African painted dogs and many more. 

Architecture For Animals:

Architects design spaces considering a variety of aspects, including emotions. The emotions and atmosphere of a place contribute a lot more than any other material or construction style ever can. Similarly, architects can design the ultimate atmosphere of a zoo to resemble the natural habitat of the respective animal. 

Panda House Observation Center by BIG Architects:

BIG architects developed a cage-free and open concept for the Copenhagen Zoo for the two giant pandas Mao Sun and Xing Er. The two Pandas have an indoor-outdoor connected home for them in the yin-yang layout. 

The architects formed the Panda House, taking into account the natural habitat of the species, which is Chengdu, China. This allows the pandas to move around freely and feel at home. The land is lifted from both ends of the yin-yang symbol. 

The undulation allows visitors to have direct views of the Pandas’ habitat without disturbing the Pandas with their gawking eyes. The separation is hardly noticeable by the Pandas’ or the visitors and thus ensures a smooth learning experience while providing the best to the Pandas. 

Perth Zoo Orangutan Exhibit by iredale pedersen hook architects:

Orangutans are the closest biological relatives of humans with high intelligence and the brain of a six-year-old. These species live on trees and are on the verge of extinction. The Perth Zoo breeds these species while giving them a wholesome atmosphere. 

The zoo designers considered the psychological, physical, and behavioral requirements of the Orangutans when designing the space. These species are highly inquisitive, thus an interesting space needed to be designed. 

The zoo consists of an elevated boardwalk, exhibits furniture to seven habitats and night quarters. Visitors can view the Orangutans in their natural habitat from the boardwalk, which was designed with the concept of landscape immersion. 

Future of Zoo: 

The drastic jump of the zoo from being an animal captive entertainment centre to being an educational and conservation centre is commendable. Although there is a lot more to do to enhance the livability of the animals. 

‘Animal rotation’ is one of the futuristic concepts brought to reality by the Philadelphia Zoo called Zoo 360. At Zoo 360, animals are on a move in a wire-mesh trail which takes them around the entire zoo and opens up into open spaces. 

Another new concept for experiencing wildlife is trending, a Virtual Reality zoo. In a VR zoo, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural habitat of animals via VR, AR, and laser projections. A VR headset, once connected to smartphones, can take the visitor on a complete tour of the wildlife without disturbing the animals. 

The Dubai Aquarium and Guangzhou Zoo of China have started this VR zoo initiative and are attracting several tourists to experience this new dimension of the zoo. 

The world is changing, and it’s time the concept of a zoo changes with time. An animal-friendly approach towards zoos rather than cruelty is crucial. The advancement in technology is helping humans move forward, but is society ready to accept certain changes? Animal welfare organizations have always raised concerns about the captivity of animals and their freedom. The need for zoos is today to save endangered species and with the help of experts and technology, it is time that as a society, the concept of ‘ A zoo’ is re-articulated.