As part of the redevelopment and revitalization of Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires, South America the design of a “Vertical Zoo” located on the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve has been proposed. The “Vertical Zoo” has to be taller than 100 metres and have a horizontal footprint no greater than 200 metres squared. It has to be a landmark for the reserve in keeping with the characteristics of the site. The zoo is to be used for recreation and education on animal conservation.
The Vertical Zoo provides recreational activities such as a auditorium for lectures, MUS (Multi Use Space) for events, Cafeteria, three observational decks to view the landscape, souvenir shop and the zoo it’s self. There are also administration space and staff facilities.
To view the animals the people are caged in glass lifts which go straight through the animals habitats giving the feeling of evading the animal’s space. The visitors are restricted to where they can go creating the feeling of confinement.
In contrast to the high tech animal containers, the people areas are constructed from rusted metal and hard concrete to represent how animals are normally kept in captivity. These harsh materials create the feeling of loneliness, detachment and suffering. Slit windows emphasis the impression of being in a prison like space with not much natural light.
My disjointed design takes the priority of the animal’s welfare as the main user of the space. From looking at the Zoo Check guidelines all animals need:
Food & water
Access to fresh water and a balanced diet representative of that in the wild
Suitable living environment
A living environment that provides shelter, privacy and mental and physical stimulation
Opportunity to exhibit natural behaviour
Provision of sufficient space and facilities to permit natural behaviours
Protection from fear and distress
Measures taken to minimise mental suffering, stress and distress
Health care
Provisions minimising the risk of injury, illness, disease or infection
From taking into consideration the Animal’s physiology I have designed each animal container to the individual animal’s specification. The animals are arranged vertically around the structure to their needs.
