A design approach to zoological exhibits: The zoo as theater

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a unique exhibit design approach that is capable of contributing to the conservation of endangered primates. The approach recognizes the need to link the animal's plight to its environmental context, including its natural habitat and the cultural and economic influences of man. The basis of the design recommendations was generated by an analysis of the design dilemmas that confront the exhibit design team, especially the contradictions that exist between the mind and the eye or the message (conservation/education) and the media (exhibit area). The design approach stresses the importance of creating perceptual illusions of the animal's habitat while recognizing the primates' physical, psychological, and social needs. The paper introduces the “zoo as theater” as a means to understand the educational and entertainment opportunities that can be developed in our nation's zoos. This unique outlook is presented to inspire bold thinking and a shift in attitude in the search for imaginative and memorable exhibits that will encourage the visitor “to think globally and act locally” about the conservation of endangered species. The design approach focuses on the reality of illusions and their importance in the zoo visitor's total experience: from the anticipation of the visit, to the actual animal encounters at the zoo, to remembering the visions of the trip. It adopts some basic theories of optical illusions translating them into design guidelines that help 1) simulate the animal's natural habitat, 2) produce an atmosphere similar to the animal's environment, 3) focus on the outstanding physical features of the animal, and 4) emphasize the ecological relationships between animals, habitat and man.