With the arrival of two Pandas to Adelaide Zoo this year comes a unique opportunity for Hassell’s Architects.
January 28th, 2009
Appointed by The Royal Zoological Society of South Australia Hassell are currently completing a redevelopment of the Adelaide Zoo, including the design of new panda enclosures to welcome Wang Wang and Funi – the first Giant Pandas ever to be loaned to a zoo in Australia.
Along with new designs for the Entrance precinct and an upgrade of the zoo’s perimeter, the $AU33m the project is a strategic move by the Zoo’s Board of Management to establish Adelaide Zoo as a centre of excellence for Conservation and animal husbandry.
“Now in its 130th year, the Adelaide Zoo is a South Australian icon, and one which holds a special place in the hearts of all those who live in this city,” says Zoos South Australia CEO, Dr Chris West.
The new Panda enclosures contrast the historical forest environment the Giant Panda once inhabited (‘P1 enclosure’) with the new human influenced environment of their native China (‘P2 enclosure’). Behind the enclosures is a state-of-the-art holding building for Wang Wang and Funi.
The new enclosures will provide a number of vantage points from which to view the Pandas. Plants have been selected that mimic their native habitat, however consideration has also been given to blending in existing native and exotic plant species.
“With only seven other zoos in the world accommodating Giant Pandas, this project provides Adelaide with a wonderful opportunity to showcase its delivery of global best practice in zoo design, within the sustainable parameters of our city,” says Sharon Mackay Hassell’s Senior Associate – Landscape Architecture.
“The development will meet, and hopefully exceed, world standards in the areas of animal welfare and conservation, environmental sustainability and tourism, as well as creating a terrifically enhanced venue for enjoyment by locals and visitors to this state.”
Construction on the site will be completed to coincide with the arrival of the Pandas.
Hassell
hassell.com.au
Adelaide Zoo
adelaidezoo.com.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
As well as considering the materials and processes used to manufacture furniture solutions, companies like Workspace are shifting their focus to the entire lifespan of products.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Tom Owens, principal & MD, Gensler Australia discusses the challenges of working during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The first in what will be a series of hotels, Urban Post is designed to feel like a home, as well as satisfy the busy traveler with luxury amenities.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke with three architects currently practising in Canberra to investigate the city’s planned history and what it means to work in that shadow.
The Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art returns to the Art Gallery of South Australia on Kaurna Yerta for its 18th edition this year.