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Gail
Y. B. Lash, Ph.D.
Nevin
Lash, ASLA
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• Master Planning
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Project
Brief
Phase I: Carnivore Complex:
Tiger, Bear and Hornbill
at Zoo
Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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Colored Construction
Document ; Exhibit Plan
Tiger Habitat: View from existing viewblind into new habitat
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Canivore Complex is a two-phase renovation of the Sumatran Tiger
Exhibit designed by Nevin (while at CLR) in 1992 with a small mesh
topped habitat for cubs and Mom, and a large fenced enclosure for the
adults. The Zoo had at that time programmed an open air building
with shade and sun areas, and warmed dens and keeper areas. By
2010 (actually before) it was agreed that the Sumatran Tigers
would like some HVAC and skylights.
This project began with the goal of enclosing the building and adding
other Carnivore species. After much searching and debate, the zoo
decided on Malayan Sun Bears. A new 18’ x 40’ holding
building was added on the ground floor adjacent to the renovated tiger
holding, and a 20’ tall serpentine concrete block wall divided
the two habitats.
The Bird department brought a pair of Wreathed Hornbill that had been
living off exhibit for over 10 years, into the mix with a 16' x
24' aviary and 8'x 20' winter quarters adjacent to the Sun Bear Habitat
- with viewing through the aviary into Bear.
New visitor viewing areas provides for a variety of viewing types
including, a central trellised area with glass viewing into Tiger, Bear
and Hornbill, two (steel) bamboo barriers for a unique experience, as
well as a new covered Overlook above the new Bear Holding, themed as a
Thai mountain house with open viewing through screening of the bear and
tiger. Additionally, the tiger service gate opens up as a
training panel for demonstrations.
Other themes where developed by the Education Department to discuss
Asian pet trade, bush meat, and conservation efforts as well as the
story of the various bear species and tiger species around the world
for comparisons. Several Endangered Tortoise species are
displayed with close-up viewing opportunities.
The exhibit evolved into an opportunity area to display several other
carnivore species and interpret various small mammals that the zoo was
lacking. Phase II is underway with additional habitats for
Binturong, Coati, Fossa and Bush Dog.
Ursa worked with the Zoo to establish the concept design and hire the
architectural team, and continued on as the Exhibit Designer/Landscape
Architect for the project.
Sun Bear Habitat: View from Overlook under climbing structure
....can't wait till they learn they can climb!
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New Bridge
access to Terrace
from Upper Path
Artificial
Bamboo - Tiger Viewing
Trellis
Viewing: Tiger/Bear/Hornbill
Sun Bear Habitat :
View of Thai House Overlook and serpentine wall
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Credits
- Phase I: Carnivore Complex at Zoo
Atlanta
- Exhibit
Design: Ursa
International
- Architecture:
The Epsten Group/Pete Choquette
- Structural
Engineering: Nielsen-Harrell
- MEP
Engineering: Covalent Engineering
- Civil
Engineering: Breedlove Land Planning
- Special
thanks to the
staff at Zoo Atlanta
- Rebecca,
Lori, Megan, Sprina, James, Kenn, Stacey, Richard, Danielle,
- the
entire keeper staff and Zoo Director, Dennis Kelly
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Project
Data
Design Begun:
March 2009
Exhibit Open: June 2010
Budget: $1,000,000 + fees
client: Zoo
Atlanta
client
contact:
Dr. Dwight Lawson
Bill Cooper
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