We are proud to announce that our own Nicolette Wojtak (rhymes with boy-tock) is officially a registered architect and member of the American Institute of Architects. Nicolette, who joined CLR’s team in 2018, is also a LEED Green Associate and has already lent her design skills to a number of successful projects. You can learn more about Nicolette on her “people page.”
National Primate Learning Centre
In 2014, CLR participated in an international competition to design a new, world-class research facility for orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and several other primate species for the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It would provide expansive habitats and a strong conservation message to the anticipated 600,000 annual visitors. CLR’s concepts integrated several cutting-edge solutions to both exhibit-specific and campus-wide challenges, including proposals for a Visitor Welcome Center & Exhibition Theater, Browse Gardens & Forests, Primate Encounter Outposts, Primate Passages and Free Range Zones, State-of-the-Art Wellness Hubs, and Monsoon Campus Ecology for a Sustainable Landscape.
Zoo Knoxville wins Exhibit Award
At the annual conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Knoxville was honored with the Significant Achievement – Exhibit Design award in the category of institutions with an operating budget over $8 Million for the Boyd Family Asian Trek exhibit. Visitors get nose-to-nose viewing opportunities with Malayan tigers as these big cats climb over Southeast Asian temple ruins, play in the water, or climb a 20-foot tall poles for treats.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Honored
Congratulations to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – their Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails has received the 2019 Innovation Exhibit Award (for institutions with operating budgets over $8 Million) from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This outstanding example of Adventure Education had previously been recognized in 2018 as an Education Design Showcase Project of Distinction. The 3 acre Adventure Trail sequence that includes multiple exploration, dynamic play, and animal encounter opportunities for kids and families.
Audubon Zoo’s Lions the Pride of AZA Zoo Day
This spring the Audubon Zoo welcomed lions back to their Zoo in a new 13,000 sf exhibit, holding building and off-exhibit outdoor yards designed by CLR. The Pride was a centerpiece on Zoo Day at the recent 2019 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association (IMATA) Annual Conference held in New Orleans and hosted by the Audubon Nature Institute. Both lions and conference attendees enjoyed exploring the replica 1920’s-era train station that overlooks the African kopje landscape.
Wellness for Elephants
In September, 2019, the Red Leaf Press published Wellness for Elephants, which gathers together scholarly work presented at a symposium on the topic hosted by the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. CLR’s Gary Lee and Jeff Sawyer are co-authors of the concluding chapter in the book, and Jeff also spoke at the symposium. In addition, the book features chapters on CLR-designed elephant exhibits at the Birmingham and Oregon Zoos.