Two Bath architecture firms behind some of the most exciting developments of recent decades have been selected to work on a new vision for a world-leading zoo in Bristol.
Pioneering landscape architects Grant Associates and design practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) have been appointed by the Bristol Zoological Society to the team of architects, designers, engineers and environmental experts chosen to bring its plans to life.
The society plans to develop a new forward-looking world-class zoo at its Wild Place Project site, pictured, on the northern edge of Bristol to replace its iconic 185-year-old zoo gardens in Clifton, which is set to close next year.
The new Bristol Zoo will open in 2024, offering spacious facilities, significant growth in conservation and education work and a ground-breaking, innovative visitor experience.
Bristol Zoological Society has previously worked with both Grant Associates and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios on the development of a new conservation research centre in Madagascar, where conservationists from the Society work to protect threatened lemurs and their habitats in the wild.
Grant Associates will be lead designers and landscape architects for the new zoo, with the objective of reconnecting people with nature in insightful and distinctive ways while addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction.
Grant Associates is best known for its work on the Gardens by the Bay scheme in Singapore which, since completion in 2012, has become a global phenomenon attracting more than 12mi visitors a year to experience its unique indoor and outdoor horticultural attractions.
It is also involved in the Friendship Park project in China’s innovative Tianjin Eco-City and closer to home, Bristol Harbourside and the YTL Brabazon project in Filton.
The firm will use an ecosystem planning approach to help Bristol Zoo develop the greatest possible visitor experience. This will optimise the sense of separation from the wider world through the effective use and enhancement of the existing native species rich landscape, including ancient woodland.
Grant Associates’ nature-focused approach will look to bring visitors through the animals’ domain using immersive and varied landscapes and habitats to create a memorable adventure throughout the site, with efficient and attractive connections to and from the site.
FCBS will take the role of lead architects, conservation architects and renewable/zero carbon specialists with responsibility for the building design elements of the scheme, creating buildings with engaging spaces and sensitivity to external surroundings.
An award-winning practice with an international reputation for design quality, it combines a progressive architectural approach and pioneering environmental expertise with leadership and authority on the design response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
Its design portfolio encompasses visitor centres, educational facilities and zoo attraction buildings and its work has frequently been recognised in major industry awards, including 55 from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Previous
Its work includes the Bath Abbey Footprint Project, the University of Roehampton Library and a number of projects at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Bristol Zoological Society director of transformation Francesca Fryer said: “The opportunity we have ahead of us of a new Bristol Zoo offers the chance to create something truly spectacular at our Wild Place Project site.
“In addition to our existing exhibits, such as the hugely popular Bear Wood, Discover Madagascar and Benoue National Park, we will create immersive new exhibits which will link visitors to our conservation projects around the world, develop new veterinary and education facilities and provide the tools for visitors to become conservationists themselves.
“We look forward to the exciting collaboration process both with our award-winning, multi-disciplinary team of designers, the society’s in-house experts and the wider Bristol community to create a visitor attraction that will be a beacon of conservation and environmental sustainability, demonstrating and promoting how together we can save wildlife in the way we live our lives.”
Grant Associates founder and director Andrew Grant, pictured, said he was honoured to have been given the unique opportunity to help shape the new Bristol Zoo as an inspirational centre for wildlife conservation.
“The Wild Place site provides a special foundation for this ambitious project and is the perfect setting to better understand our relationship with native and global nature and biodiversity,” he added.
“With care for animals at the heart of the designs we are excited by the prospect of developing a sensitive, ecologically diverse, creative and memorable experience for everyone.”
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios senior partner Peter Clegg said its vision for the new zoo was based around landscape, biodiversity and a sustainable future.
“We are thrilled to be appointed to the project and to continue to develop close relationships with the zoo to further their conservation and research work. We are looking forward to preparing plans that make the most of the existing buildings on site and creating new facilities for the visitors, the staff and most of all, the animals.”
Other firms in the zoo development team include structural and civil engineers Momentum, consulting engineers E3, town planning advisors Avison Young, arboriculturists Wotton Tree Consultancy, ecology consultant Clarkson and Woods, and transport and sustainability infrastructure consultant Hydrock.
