Author(s)/Creator(s)

Thorfun Chutchawanjumrut

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

B. ARCH

Date

5-2015

Keywords

zoo architecture, animals, zoochosis, behavioral disorder, enrichment, stimulation

Disciplines

Architecture

Description/Abstract

Through on-site field investigation, studies of animal behaviors,

and Jon Coe’s zoo enrichment principles, this thesis proposes

that zoo architec-ture should prioritize the needs of the animals

by incorporating behavioral and environmental enrichments

into its design. Enrichments refer to the pro- cess of providing the

appropriate behav-ioral and environmental stimuli that foster the

animals to exhibit their own natural behaviors.

Adapting Jon Coe’s strategies and Heini Hediger’s concept of

territory as precedents, “A Zoological Paradox” proposes the reimagining

of the zoo typology by integrating existing enrich-ment

methodologies, as well as allowing human visitors to interact and

engage in the process of enriching the animals’ well-being. Through

strategies of introducing choices and novelty to the “Animal Folly”

enclosure, and allowing a visitor’s participation, the reimagined zoo

offers the animals a sense of freedom within captivity; a temporary

relief from stress within their confines. A continuous network of

“corridors” replaces conventional enclosures; reflecting each animal’s

territorial path-ways and further providing a sense of choice

and freedom.

Shifting the visitor’s role from a mere spectator to an active participant

not only enhances his or her experience at the zoo, but also reshapes

the percep-tion that these enrichments are what really matter.

Rather than a “naturalistic facade,” enrichments become the

most crucial component for animals born and raised in captivity.

Source

Syracuse University School of Architecture 2015

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Included in

Architecture Commons

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