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Mammal Enclosure at London Zoo

Part 1 Project 2007
Jonathan Shaw
 University of Sheffield | UK
The Koala, a mammal of an arboreal nature and two distinct variations; the Victoria, a temperate climate Koala, and the Queensland, a subtropical inhabiting Koala.
This provided the basis to create captivating environments read though structural composition and transitional experiences, offering an integrated design for the user and an enriching Koala habitat.
Through breaking down barriers between animal and visitor, using distance as the ‘boundary’, visitors appreciate an immersive environment along the varied sightlines within the forest floor, or crossing among the tree tops. All enclosed by a gridshell that emulates a canopy capturing the essence of diverse lighting.



This project offers a New Facility for Koala Bears within the eclectic setting of London Zoo. Early work focused on the animals characteristics, and developed into providing an appropriate setting for the bears and humans to interact. The final piece of work is exemplary as not only does it offer fantastic tectonically resolved architecture but also a subtle and varied spatial sequence for visitors. His ability to think creatively in 3 dimensions is apparent through the spatial and techtonic narrative. Overall this is an amazing piece that provides stimulating architecture that is materially tactile and environmentally responsive.
2007
Project Outline and Aims, including Koala types and locations
Site considerations and location
Development of Interior Spacial Qualities, one depicting the main visitor route, and the other expressing the nature of the internal subtropical enclosure.
Pencil sketch exploring the initial stages of the gridshell structure, and lighting effects that could be achieved through the use of canopy etched glazing.
Roof Structure Development expressing the the forms of the roof in relation to two key high points, later modelled in section to explore the the formation of the gridshell.
Site Plan and Location Plan of the enclosure within Regents Park and London Zoo.
Site Section cut through the canal, depicting the route taken from the main zoo via an underpass and through the ZSL offices, opening out to the Koala enclosure.
Ground Floor Plan within site, and First Floor Plan.
Section cut through the main internal subtropical enclosure, depicting the variation in route to be taken, and the relation to both the road and the canal.
The top image is the road side elevation along Prince Albert Road, and the bottom image is the canal side elevation along the Grand Union Canal.
View of the enclosure along the canal side, as seen from the bridge, showing the presence and interaction of the enclosure to its surroundings.
View of the main internal enclosure entrance as seen from the upper walkway, depicting the external Koala enclosure to the left and the view along the canal to the right. Also shown is a series of picnic seating along the walkway.
Internal visuals depicting the spacial qualities present within the main visitor route and the internal subtropical enclosure.
Details of the enclosure facade, and the hanging walkway.
1:20 part sectional model of the enclosure facade decpicting the qualties of construction and spatial relationships, the etched glazing qualities can also be experienced.
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