Each year, 140 million people visit AZA accredited zoos. They all come for the same reason. To connect with wildlife… and each other. So, we have made it our goal… our responsibility… to foster their wellbeing… and to create meaningful spaces… that nurture, educate, and inspire. We believe that design can make a difference. We believe in innovation and sustainability. We believe in zoos. We are CLR.
Cool Ideas
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.
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.
CLR in Landscape Architect Magazine
The October 2019 issue of Landscape Architect magazine profiles how CLR helped the Denver Zoo modernize their entry to handle rapidly growing attendance, provide an enjoyable visitor experience when arriving or departing, expand circulation and parking options, and create an immediate, “big bang” front animal exhibit.
The same issue also features another article, “Enlightened Habitation Development at Zoos across the U.S.,” with interviews of CLR co-founder Jon Coe and CLR Senior Associate Jeff Sawyer on current trends in habitat design that encourage natural behaviors, animal choice and wellness, and an enhanced connection between visitors and the natural world.
Read both articles below,
Or you can view the full issue online.
Field Research in Africa
CLR’s principals have traveled extensively to observe wild animals in their native habitats, often in the company of zoo leaders. Gary Lee, a keen observer of both animals and people, routinely creates illustrated journal keepsakes of these voyages, such as the example shown here from his 2000 safari in Botswana.
Zürich Elephant Exhibit
In 2008, CLR participated in an international design competition to envision a new home for elephants at the Zoo Zürich. CLR’s concepts addressed several challenges at the site, including the climate and year-round accommodation for the elephants, as well as activity-based design and a softening of the distinction between indoor and outdoor, between exhibit and nature.