CLR coined the term Activity-Based Design and it has been a part of our practice for over 30 years. It embodies 3 key elements of CLR’s approach – Flex, Choice, and Passage.
We aspire to explore exhibit experiences that will let animals be animals, provide them with 24/7 choice and activity, and let them do all the things that their wild counterparts do. We believe there is scientific and anecdotal evidence that suggests that we can achieve positive results by putting this viewpoint at the forefront of our design approach. Examples could include ground and tree canopy trails, bridges, towers, and at-grade crossings connecting back and forth between indoor and outdoor habitats allowing almost all types of animals to have choice and multiple dynamic experiences throughout their environments. They enable animals to patrol their habitats at multiple levels, both arboreal and terrestrial, and guests may be able to experience alongside on parallel pathways and trails.
What follows will not only be good things for the welfare of the animals but great experiences for the guest because they are seeing appropriate animal behavior in surprising and creative ways, as well as empowerment and pride by zoo staff at all levels because they have the tools to manage successfully the husbandry needs and further the institutional mission.