Our team was approached by the Phoenix Zoo to assist with a plan for the long-term development of the zoo experience. They had previously made several other plans, none of which focused on the experience of the zoo-goer or fulfilled the zoo’s mission.
We had no experience working with living collections, so we worked closely with the Zoo staff to create environments that would be incredible for visitors and animals alike. We studied large-crowd circulation models, particularly using malls and other zoos for examples. Our team toured the Phoenix Zoo multiple times, first on our own, then by guided tour, and then through interviews with staff and guests. This allowed us to understand the zoo's need to provide education about the natural world and social space for humans. The design of the zoo had to respond to the changing nature of its largest group of guests – the family.
As the master site plan needed to be a functional working document, as well as a visionary piece, we added specific plans for many zoo-wide topics including: retail, food, play, experience zones, rides, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, fire access, utility corridors and animal collections. The master plan also incorporated a preliminary budget, timeline and phasing plan so that the board could make decisions about the plan with an understanding of the impacts changes would bring. The board approved the master plan, and we created a campaign called Zoo4yoU to unveil the plans for the zoo’s next decade to staff, volunteers, and guests. |
