dan pearlman Experience Architecture creates master plan for Frankfurt Zoo
The renewal of the traditional Frankfurt downtown zoo is urgently needed. In the face of global challenges, the zoo must be prepared for the future and its role as a center for global nature conservation. The concept study “ZOOKUNFT2030+ Development Plan for the Zoo of the City of Frankfurt am Main” laid the foundation and initial framework for a comprehensive transformation of the Frankfurt Zoo in 2019. Two large areas totaling five hectares are designated for complete redesign within it. To verify, detail, and further develop the concept study, a master plan is now being developed for the two areas in the north-east and south-west of the zoo in a second phase. The master plan will establish both a cost and a time schedule. The primary goal of the master planning is to translate the conceptual ideas into feasible planning and construction services. The selection of dan pearlman as a partner for the master planning process was done through a bidding procedure by the client, Frankfurt Zoo, in collaboration with the Office for Construction and Real Estate. Additionally, the procedures for implementing the plans are determined. The results will be presented in spring 2024.
Ten months are estimated for the development of the master plan. “During this time, we have a very comprehensive list of tasks to work through together with the team from dan pearlman and colleagues from the Office for Construction and Real Estate. The initial ideas from the concept study need to be examined and developed with regard to urban, architectural, structural, biological, and ecological feasibility. Our focus is on sustainable animal husbandry, high-quality visitor experience, and excellent working conditions for our staff. An elaborated master plan will serve as an ideal basis for further decisions by municipal bodies. Ideally, the plan will be structured in a way that it can be realized gradually in manageable sub-projects because we want to continue operating the zoo during the reconstruction and not close it for months or even years,” says Dr. Christina Geiger, Zoo Director.
“Planning large areas in the middle of a city is always a tremendous challenge. The Frankfurt Zoo, with its history but also with its constantly changing requirements for animal husbandry and operations, and of course, with its special offerings for visitors, is an extremely complex planning and construction task. And the zoo cannot be viewed in isolation. Its redevelopment must also be considered in terms of urban planning and take into account future developments, such as population growth, urban climate, energy efficiency, and sufficiency. At the same time, it is about highlighting the specific, distinctive identity of the Frankfurt Zoo. We have great confidence in the team from dan pearlman, whose references clearly demonstrate that they will also incorporate these aspects – together with the zoo and us – into a sustainable planning,” says Jobst Jung from the Office for Construction and Real Estate.
“dan pearlman’s model sees the zoo as a unity of three equally important components: animals, operations, and visitors. The project team includes not only zoo planners but also relevant disciplines such as structural engineering, building physics, energy and climate experts, as well as urban planning. The project is complex, diverse, and of high importance. My team and I are excited about the challenge of positioning Frankfurt Zoo for the future,” says Kieran Stanley, CEO & Creative Director, dan pearlman.
Picture: © The Logical Zoo
