Framework Planning

Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis

Client

Saint Louis Zoo

 

Design Start Date:

2013

 

Firm and Role

SWT Design

Local Planning Firm

 

AFH Design

Planning

Zoo Designer

AFH Design participated as part of the team lead by David McGuire for the frame work planning for the newly expanded property Saint Louis Zoo. After a brainstorming session, our team proposed to create two connections between the Zoo and the new site which is separated by a highway. The connections will be crucial for the success of the expansion project. First, a pedestrian bridge located at the high points of both sites was proposed, with a new welcome center on the south end, and a multiple level restaurant on the other, which will overlook a new African Savanna habitat.

 

The other connection will be a gondola that will move the visitors from the welcome center to a new station at the north part of the Zoo which will allow visitors to see a spectacular view of the existing Asian elephant exhibit. This new attraction will benefit the Zoo not only as a transportation solution between the new site and the zoo, but it will be a new revenue source.

 

Since the objective of the Zoo is to move all the parking to the new site, our team is proposing to integrate additional parking into the new site, using the existing south parking lot as the location of a new exhibit expansion for the Zoo.

 

This “Expansion Framework Plan” was awarded “Outstanding Plan” by the APA.