Danish architects BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) have released designs for a zoo in Givskud, Denmark that let animals roam free, while humans are hidden from view.
BIG plans to transform the 1960s zoological park into a cutting-edge ‘Zootopia’, where disguised viewing areas allow animals to live undisturbed in cage-free environments inspired by their natural habitats.
The architects have proposed concealing buildings for ticket sales, shops, restaurants, and other visitor needs in a large central courtyard, from which visitors can also gain a general overview of the animal park.
The 300-acre landscape is divided up into three separate zones – Asia, Africa and America – with people able to observe the wildlife via a 4km-hiking trail, or by boat, bike or a sky ride.
Camouflaged observation platforms, bunkers buried beneath hills and mirrored pods help to keep the human’s presence a secret from the animals as they move about the zoo.
The first phase of the Zootopia is expected to be completed in 2019 to coincide with the park’s 50th anniversary.
Courtesy Arch Daily
