Zoo design: A collaborative process examining how zoo development professionals and landscape architects cooperate in developing exhibits

This study investigated the design process used in the development of zoo exhibits. The study looked at exhibits that received recognition by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for excellence in exhibit design between 2006–2010. The research objective was to better understand the collaborative process of exhibit design. The project was based on interviews of the zoos' and aquarium's professional staff member in charge of the project and lead for the design team. Overall the study found award winning exhibits were developed when the facilities' professional staff and designers collaborated as partners, and executed a plan in a logical sequence with frequent communication. The facilities interviewed as part of this research were the Bronx Zoo, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the North Carolina Zoological Park. The design offices interviewed were CLR Design, MESA Landscape Architects, Inc., Peter Chermayeff LLC, and Quennell Rothschild and Partners.