Chester Zoo ‘The Heart of Africa’, Proctor and Matthews Architects
Proctor and Matthews Architects are behind this radical new rainforest enclosure at Chester Zoo. Designed to serve as a natural habitat enclosure, the design from the world renowned London based architects is sure to create quite the impression.
Set to merge entertainment, research and conservation, the enclosed habitat will become home to some of the worlds most endangered animals, including Gorillas.
At present the scheme is with the government body that oversees large construction projects in the North-west of England. Its certainly bold, but as technologies improve, creating balanced ecosystems in enclosed spaces becomes easier to do. Hopefully, projects like this will aid our understanding of the real world ecosystems that inspire their creation, and help us to protect them in the future.
“The Heart of Africa Rainforest Biome will form the flagship first phase of the radical new masterplan – Natural Vision – for Chester Zoo. Simulating natural African rainforest habitats, this dramatic undulating responsive roofscape and enclosure will provide an immersive sanctuary to rainforest animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, including some of the worlds most endangered species such as Gorillas and Okapi.
This dynamic environmental enclosure is being designed with conservation and education requirements as key principles. Visitors will explore the exhibits in a variety of ways including treetop elevated walkways and boat rides culminating in the bio-diverse strata of the biotope – from the dramatic depths of the forest floor to the upper reaches of the rainforest canopy including views to the Chester countryside. This is a journey providing an unparalleled experience and understanding of the zoological society’s vital role in the preservation and conservation of the planets most endangered habitats”, Proctor and Matthews Architects
[Proctor and Matthews Architects]
