Title
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.
Recommended Citation
Chutchawanjumrut, Thorfun, "The Zoological Paradox" (2015). Architecture Senior Theses. 242.
https://surface.syr.edu/architecture_theses/242
Source
Syracuse University School of Architecture 2015
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
