It is interesting that the zoo constructed Reptile Walk as an open-air structure, much like the famous Reptile House. I'm a little surprised how fast it took to erect the new exhibits as it seems just like yesterday that some of us were shocked by the demolition of the Klauber buildings.
The glass is great. it is low enough to accommodate children and people in wheelchairs. Whereas, children don't need to be lifted up and people in wheelchairs don't have to strain themselves to look. Well-executed design on SDZ's behalf.
Also, while some have to bend to see the exhibits inhabitants, the design of these buildings with those dark panels hiding the mechanicals and lighting, allows the zoo to remove the exhibit in favor of a taller exhibit, if they so choose. Nice flexible design.
Each one of the bricks should be about 8 inches tall which would make to top of the window 56 inches or 4'8" off the ground. This is assuming that they are standard cinder blocks. For those of us over 6 feet tall, there would be quite a stoop to see the animals in these exhibits due to their deep recess.
For those of us that are able-bodied, bending over is fine. It is nice to see this design geared more towards children and people in wheelchairs. I wish more Zoos and Aquariums did this, would make the viewing experience pleasurable for anyone that comes through the gates or doors.
I don't think the keepers will be using much vertical height with SW natives, Amphibians, and Turtles. While the enclosures may be a great size for the their inhabitants and a good height for children and people in wheelchairs, small terrariums are notorious for difficult viewing because you have to get real close to the glass and there's always limited space for people. There's always kids up on the glass that cut you off. I'm sure we've all had awkward moments with crowds and small reptile exhibits. There's not much designers can really do about it, but it would have been nice to see larger terrariums that catch a lot of attention with multiple species. I feel that might allow better traffic flow than rows of small enclosures and break up some of the monotony. Regardless, probably one of the few criticisms I have of this renovation of reptile mesa.
