What goes into exhibit design?

[Javan Rhino]

I had quite a lot of free time today, so I decided that I would 'attempt' to see how mucg I knew about exhibit design. I've done a text document designing a complex for 2.2 Sumatran rhinoceros, and attempted to note things that would be necessary (paddock sizes/husbandry etc).

I've missed out things like materials/foliage/enrichment etc, since this is just a basic thing and I would include that in drawings and planning each section in more detail.

So I was wondering, what else would need to be considered in exhibit design? Should be interesting to see just how much I've missed . Also, feel free to post your own ideas for exhibits in detail (almost as if it were a planning application).

 

[Jurek7]

Hi, I am not expert but would think of eg.
- outdoor and indoor pools, minimum one per two yards (I presume you think about temperate climate) plus water drainage system,
- access road to both house and paddocks to bring food, exhibit design elements and rhinos themselves,
- clearing the area of potentially poisonous plants,
- food storage room,
- keepers room with showers,
- ideally CCTV system linked to keepers' room,
- ideally separation of paddocks and stalls (including eg. water and ventillation) to prevent spread of disease.

I am unsure if a separate veterinary clinic is likely for animal so heavy to be treated inside its stall.

For sumatran rhinos, shade in form of continuous tree crowns or eg. camouflage net is important.

But I hope members with hands-on experience will comment!

 

[Javan Rhino]

Hi, I am not expert but would think of eg.
- outdoor and indoor pools, minimum one per two yards (I presume you think about temperate climate) plus water drainage system,
- access road to both house and paddocks to bring food, exhibit design elements and rhinos themselves,
- clearing the area of potentially poisonous plants,
- food storage room,
- keepers room with showers,
- ideally CCTV system linked to keepers' room,
- ideally separation of paddocks and stalls (including eg. water and ventillation) to prevent spread of disease.

I am unsure if a separate veterinary clinic is likely for animal so heavy to be treated inside its stall.

For sumatran rhinos, shade in form of continuous tree crowns or eg. camouflage net is important.

But I hope members with hands-on experience will comment!

You are quite correct. As I noted, the paddocks and pens can be seperated and there is a food kitchen (as in for the animals, so this is likely to be the store). I was going to include heavy planting, wallows/pools and shade structures in the individual paddock designs as well. However, I never thought of poisonous plants and drainage
The idea with the vet clinic is that all of the equipment would be there. I know nothing about the veterinary side of things, but if large equipent is needed it would be easier to walk the rhino into the 'vet stall' rather than having to carry it all (which may sometimes be impractical). Hey, tis all learning for me

 

[gerenuk]

Many large veterinary equipment have portable models - ultrasound, xray, etc. An additional veterinary clinic isnt necessary. If anything, a chute would be more practical is restrain the animal.

 

[Jurek7]

You could also look at Zoolex zoo design website.

There is lots of practical know-how going into exhibit design, and I heard of a zoo director taking architect team for a tour of ten zoos before designing a new elephant house!

Chute is a good thing - especially one build into the usual corridor between indoor and outdoor paddock. Also, some zoos separate indoor and outdoor areas by a small passage with separate gates - to avoid accidents when a keeper is cleaning and one door is left open.

I would avoid steep-sided moats, cliffs, sharp branches and thin electric fences. So your precious rhino can be left safely outside at night, and if it spooks and runs it will not fall, injure or entangle itself.

 

[Drew]

There are so many things to think about when designing a zoo exhibit, it's a very challenging but extremely awarding experience! The first step in designing an exhibit is to do an inventory of a wide range of variables to create an informed site analysis from which a design is developed. I've attached an image of a simple methodology that i created for my capstone project in college that graphically explains what i'm talking about. I think you've got a very good handle on the "USER" category...excellent on animal needs and you've thought about keeper and visitor considerations too. The "SITE" is fictional so it doesn't effect your design (but you've shown foresight in what is needed and how it related to future needs). The only thing i think you're missing is a good development of the "STORY". It is my opinion that a good design is made great by the story it tells. This is also one of the most fun and creative parts of the design! I have enjoyed the many design competitions that take part here on zoochat and the highly creative ideas, maybe one of these days i'll have the time and energy to partake.

[/url][/IMG]