A Forest Path into the World of Adventure: The path from the street to the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover leads visitors through a forested section bordered by a pergola.
The design concept by dan pearlman Experience Architecture creates a seamless connection between the surrounding urban space and the zoo. As Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover is renowned for its immersive environments, it was a natural choice to extend that narrative to the entrance as well.Visitors soon reach a clearing and pass through the covered entrance of a low-rise building complex, designed predominantly in a modernist style. One visible section of the structure turns out to be an ice cream shop arranged around a central patio—just like the ticket counters, service areas, a spacious shop, and the main entrance and exit zones. Large illuminated letters are suspended between the treetops, fog drifts up from the forest floor, and magical bird sounds fill the air. At the end of the tree-lined path, a white façade and glass roof appear in the distance—curiosity grows.
Blending Urban Context and Natural Heritage
By thematically framing both the building and its outdoor space as part of the zoo, our design draws a direct link to the adjacent Eilenriede forest, the city’s green belt. Preserving the valuable tree stock and integrating it into the layout allowed us to position the entrance area as close as possible to the main intersection—offering visitors a first taste of what lies ahead, while also organizing all functional spaces in a flexible and efficient way. A key element of our competition entry was the integration of the old administrative building—not its demolition. Reduced to its outer shell and whitewashed, it now houses a modern glass greenhouse and becomes the most iconic feature of the entrance. This structure serves as a dramatic architectural transition between the themed adventure forest and the minimalistic cubic forms of the entrance building. In addition, an old public restroom—well known to Hanover residents—was preserved and incorporated into the ensemble, strengthening local recognition and continuity. The architectural ensemble evokes openness and lightness. Not only the glass roof in the ice cream shop, but also the skylights in the retail and service areas, contribute to the bright, airy atmosphere—reminiscent of a forest clearing.
A New Chapter of the Zoo
In 1995, the “Zoo of the Future” master plan marked the beginning of an ambitious EXPO project and the comprehensive transformation of Hanover Zoo. Over the course of 15 years, an adventure zoo emerged in Lower Saxony’s capital that takes its role in species conservation, education, and research seriously—while also embracing its function as a recreational destination, promising relaxation, entertainment, and discovery for all visitors.
