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FRANKFURT ZOO

Updated: Oct 20, 2023

FRANKFURT, GERMANY (1986)


This 160-acre zoo is conceived as a succession of natural habitats in which landscape and architecture are integrated as an organic whole. Each animal habitat maintains typological affinities amongst herds and follows a topological sequence: forest blends gradually into bush and eventually returns full cycle to the forest. Herds are separated from one another and from visitors by means of natural barriers such as waterways, ditches and berms. The animals' enclosures blend into the landscape of their habitats. Two walking paths circle the zoo. Both routes include a stop at the central Paradise, a metaphorical Garden of Eden contained within an extinguished volcanic crater that is populated by flying, walking and swinging animals that live in a sylvan valley of rocks, caves, ponds and waterfalls. The paths of the long and short journeys form constantly undulating lines through the zoo in order to minimize crowding and maximize the sense of being alone with the animals in their natural setting.





 
 
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