About the project
In 2019, we built a new public and educational space on the grounds of the Moscow Zoo named the Zoo for Children, created on the principles of mutual respect and humane treatment of animals.
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AddressBolshaya Gruzinskaya Street 1, Moscow
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ClientMoscow State Budgetary Cultural Institution “Moscow Zoo”
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Year (Design)2015 - 2016
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Year (Implementation)2016 - 2019
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Area10 000m2
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Comfort for Everyone
The children’s area of the Moscow Zoo has been renewed not only (and not so much) in appearance, but through the implementation of a fundamentally new, more ethical approach to interactions between children and animals, based on comfort for all and the principles of equal communication.
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Natural Habitat
The concept for the educational center was developed in collaboration with biologists, sociologists, and economists, and offers a variety of visiting programs. An educational route runs through the grounds. The zoo is divided into several zones: the “Farm” (with domestic animals), the “Aviary” (an enclosure for birds), an area with domestic fowl, and the “Rabbit Town.” All zones are designed to resemble natural conditions as closely as possible and to take into account the lifestyle of each species.
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Studying the Animals
Next to each animal zone, there is a dedicated play area for children, designed in a similar way and complemented with educational attractions: a child can climb into a nest like a bird or crawl through a tunnel underground like a rabbit.
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Research-Based Approach
Specially designed educational stands have been installed along the route. For example, by pulling a rope, a child can find out how much stronger a horse is than a human, and with the help of special binoculars, they can see the world through the eyes of a snake, a cow, or a dog.
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Natural forms
The fundamental principles underlying the new zoo space are reflected in its architectural design. The pavilions are inspired by natural forms, and their construction employs the most environmentally friendly materials possible.
