“Out of the Cage”

Annamaria Ahrens and I had to design a new entrance area for the “Vivarium“, a zoo located in Darmstadt. Our vision was to create a space that blends seamlessly into the surrounding park and nature, using mud-brick construction and a wooden roof.

To provide visitors with a unique and dynamic experience, we have chosen round building shapes that intersect and form a main complex. The restaurant, the shop and the toilets will be located in separate but interconnected round buildings, allowing visitors to move freely between them. We believe this design will create an inviting and dynamic space.

For sleeping accommodations, we suggest placing cabins in a secluded area of the park, away from the main entrance complex. This would provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience, while still being in close proximity to the zoo.

The entrance area will include features such as a ticket booth, information center and gift shop, as well as seating areas and greenery to make the space welcoming and relaxing for visitors.

Overall, our plan for the new entrance area for the “Vivarium” is designed to complement the natural surroundings, while providing visitors with an enjoyable and functional space.