Project Challenge:
Klein and Hoffman's (K&H) ability to develop unique solutions
to challenging projects has helped America's first zoo create
a fresh, new perspective to the zoo experience. The expanded
exterior exhibit was constructed in the small courtyard of the
original Carnivore House. Program requirements necessitated
the following elements: FIVE exterior habitats exhibiting the
lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars contained within steel post,
cable and wire mesh perimeters; FOUR large glass viewing windows
integrated into the habitat post structure along a winding path
offering views of the cats; THREE pavilions with large glass
viewing areas offering incredible views of the cats and landscaping;
TWO elevated catshifts; and ONE complicated, integrated system
of overhead and vertical mesh, posts, cables and supports.
Project Solution:
Gone are the original moats and barred cages that kept the animals
distinctly separated from the visitors. Zoo guests are now immersed
in an indoor/outdoor interpretive exhibit experience with glass-walled
pavilions and overhead bridge structures, allowing visitors
unusual and up-close views of the big cats.
K&H developed a steel post and cable system to support
a stainless steel, woven fabric mesh that provides overhead
and perimeter containment which virtually disappears in the
dense foliage and beautiful landscaping. The cable forces
were engineered not only into drilled concrete shaft foundations
installed as deadmen, but also integrated into the pavilion
structures, catshift walls and the original building structure
to transfer the loads into the foundations.
ARCHITECT: Esherick, Homsey, Dodge and
Davis (EHDD) Architecture
CLIENT/OWNER: Philadelphia Zoological
Society
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