Last month, I was able to spend a week in Europe focusing on zoo design. I attended a zoo design conference with many of the world’s leading designers and representatives from some of the most influential zoos from around the world. It was fascinating to see how differently everyone’s perspectives were, where their priorities lay, … Continue reading
About 20 years ago, the zoological society that oversaw the system of zoological facilities in and around the New York metropolitan area underwent a brand facelift. They became the Wildlife Conservation Society—a deep integration of the five metro facilities with the conservation organization that had existed since the late 19th century. And, as I’m sure … Continue reading
Reputation is everything. We’ve known this since middle school. That’s why it’s important to carefully monitor your public perception, especially if you are an institution supported primarily through admissions and tax support. With the instant feedback available 24-7 on internet review websites, there is simply no excuse for any zoo or aquarium to not be … Continue reading
by Ben Cober Recently I really enjoyed Bryan Wawzenek’s Theme Park Insider post about the top ten songs about theme parks. I started to plunge into the depths of the internet to seek out the best jams about our beloved zoos, and was shocked to find out that there currently exists no central repository for … Continue reading
Our friends over at ZooLex.org have invited DesigningZoos to partner with them to provide a place for readers to share their experiences and commentary on the new exhibit gallery additions. Every month, we’ll post links to the new Zoolex exhibits here, and encourage discussion amongst readers in the comments section. This Month: Beehive at Tiergarten Schonbrunn … Continue reading
Designingzoos.com Celebrates 5 Years of Exploring Zoological Design Holy cats! I almost dropped my chai tea latte when I realized my very first post was five years ago today! So many things have changed…I’ve celebrated a full decade with PGAV Destinations, lived at 8 different addresses in 4 different cities, facilitated four successful master plans, … Continue reading
I’ve always been partial to the underdog. Those whose beliefs and perseverance outweigh the skeptics’ might by shear doggedness and tenacity. Those tirelessly working to do right despite just scraping by. I’m one of those people who gladly buys the opening band’s CD despite not having anything on which to play it. I always choose … Continue reading
Character and ambience are often noticed subconsciously, defining the feeling of a place; contributing to the brand. Most people recognize historical charm or modernist style, and may understand their predilection for a certain design aesthetic. Oftentimes, these predilections are borne from a person’s associations with comfort and happiness, as in a childhood home or the … Continue reading
The new year is just around the corner and like so many, I’ve put together a list of the year’s highlights–from a zoo design perspective. So, on this final Friday of 2012, grab a cup of joe, tea, or a good ole fashioned flute of champagne and follow along as we recount the opening of … Continue reading
The Minnesota Zoo, located in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities, has long been on my list of must-sees, but especially so after the opening of the much lauded Russia’s Grizzly Coast four years ago. Of course I would find myself flying to the Great White North a few days before Thanksgiving—what better time … Continue reading
