Animan Space Design : a Parrot Animan Precinct

Abstract

This project stems out of the need to improve the quality of life for both animals and humans, and facilitate the interaction between both environments into one habitat. The design will serve as a framework for the co-habitation and interaction of humans and animals in one habitat. At the core of this dissertation lies the concept of an animan habitat. This term embodies the concept of an intergrated habitat for all species. In arriving at the final design, a sequential thought process was applied. The logic behind this process will now be outlined (each corresponding section will be addressed in this document). Exploring the diversity of Architectural habitats and products has made it evident that involving Architects and Interior Architects into projects concerning animal space design can benefit wild animals and humans alike. Research into South African recreational nature spaces show the importance of the conservation of these existing spaces to different parties on local, national and international levels. The investigation of the importance of experiential nature spaces in Tshwane and the Tshwane CBDs (section 2.2.2) shows the importance and location of an establishment (the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa) with great human experiential, and animal conservation opportunities. The study of the contributions of global zoos to the world (section 2.3) confirms that any designs need to consider the principles and ethics followed by these zoos-conservation, recreation, education, experience, research, and community values. Behavioural enrichment (section 2.4) as a conservation contribution of zoos is an aspect that can be reinterpreted and incorporated into animal enclosures to enrich their environments, and further educate visitors. Studies about zoo evolutions (section 2.5) through the ages show how thoughts about captive environments are evolving. The subsequent study of exhibit design (section 2.6) makes clear the importance of considering the needs of the environment, animals, zoo occupants and visitors alike. Furthermore, research into design styles and illusions (section2.6) prove that designs (using whichever approach) should consider the wellbeing of animals before educating or entertaining humans. Design illusions could instead be used to change mans’ negative perceptions about zoos and other conserving environments. A study into design elements and principles (as studied by Ching and Miller) are currently used at the Zoo (section 2.7) to claim human and animal spaces. A variety of precedent investigations (section 3) make it clear that other institutions, zoos, reserves, bird parks, discovery centres, playgrounds, and an amphitheater, individuals (the work of Frei Otto) or companies (lightweight structure experts) offer products and techniques that could well suit animan space design. The result of the above is the cohabitation and respect for humans, animal and the environment in a bidirectional habitat. This forms the core of the animan concept and approach for the design of the Parrot Animan Precinct at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (Zoo). This development is a turnkey solution comprising of Site Selection and Study (section 4); Design Discourse (section 5); Technical Investigation (section 6) and Design Drawings (section 7).