ZOOSCAPE
Location
Client
Barcelona, SPA
Ciudad Barcelona
2018
Urban
Year
Program
Status
Area
Competition
xxxm²
The concept of a zoo in its current form is unquestionably outdated, yet its presence is undeniably important. Providing access to natures wonders, as well as allowing for research and sanctuary of some of the worlds rarest creatures, it is time to challenge the typical architectural approach to the zoo. The small enclosures of each animal, unrelated spatially to other species it may encounter in its natural habitat, stunt their freedom to express normal behavior. The ‘enclosures’ therefore need to be dealt with first and foremost. Within the confines of the site of Barcelona Zoo, the site is reorganized, grouping animals into their natural biomes and then multiplying these natural habitats vertically in order to create fluid landscapes.
The zoo moves from 2D to 3D, exponentially increasing the space and quality of life for all flora and fauna. They are now afforded the freedom to roam wildly within their biome related landscapes. The spatial quality of this allows for visitors of the zoo to have insight into the natural behavior of their favorite animal. This 3 dimensional landscape creates a paradigm shift, utilizing our vast knowledge and experience of space and place making in our cities, typically reserved for people, and instead shifting this knowledge to the flora and fauna we share the planet with.
