BIG reinvents the zoo with its 'Zootopia' natural habitat concept [slideshow]

Bjarke Ingels’ firm BIG is reinventing the zoo. The typical approach would be to design the space as a place where humans walk freely and the animals have smaller areas where they are displayed during open hours.

In Zootopia, the design BIG came up with to improve the 1960s-designed Givskund Zoo in Denmark, the animals were the ones given a freer range to roam, and each species will be placed in a topography modeled after their natural habitat. In fact, any form of man-made architectural component is designed to be least intrusive as possible by hiding the viewing decks within the topography.

The only prominent artificial-looking structure would be the circular crate that acts as an entry and welcoming station. From there, visitors have three other gates they can choose from: sailing in Asia, biking in Africa or flying in America (by cable car, that is).

More information and renderings on the project can be found on BIG's website.

The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.

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