This personal project, looked to creatively explore a way in which the central area of Como Zoo could be redeveloped to give the area a unique identity.  Como Zoo and Conservatory is the last free metro zoo in the country and is located within Como Park in St. Paul, MN.

 

The intent of this project was to better gather and unite the central area of Como Zoo to fulfill changing needs.  The space acts as the central node of the zoo in which visitors experience as a gateway to other areas of the park.  The recently completed Polar Bear Odyssey exhibit is located directly North of the plaza, and the recent Gorilla Forest exhibit is located Southwest of the plaza.

 

Beyond connection issues, the need for a central fully enclosed all season food dining area was incorporated into the plan.  The building keeps with the aesthetic of the existing zoo structures, as well as helps to define the adjacent plaza space.