groundcubed

beyond enclosures, we create ecosystems

Our zoo design practice is grounded in our passion for spaces that connect people to nature. We respect the unique position of zoological institutions to engage visitors with wildlife and inspire lifelong appreciation and conservation of the natural world. We are proud to be a strong partner for Canadian zoos and aquariums that truly understands the unique opportunities presented by designing in Canada. Corporate members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of animal wellbeing in our zoological practice.

Zoological projects require a specialized approach, navigating nuanced topics including animal wellbeing and conservation alongside sustainability, operations, and user experience. groundcubed understands the interplay between the building blocks of a zoo, including habitat design, animal management and welfare, storytelling, visitor journey touchpoints, conservation initiatives, and operational efficiency.

Creating spaces for animals and people is a unique challenge and the very nature of zoo design is that no two projects are identical. We ensure solutions are locally contextual and socially, economically, and environmentally responsible, drawing inspiration from the focal species and the ecologies, climates, communities, cultures, and histories of their wild ranges to create designs that are immersive and naturalistic. We continually build on each project, evolving our practice and leveraging our learnings as we approach each new opportunity.

Our portfolio spans different types of habitats and species, include hoofed species, dangerous animals, aquatic habitats, mixed-species spaces, and enclosures with complex containment conditions.

project overview

Here’s a glimpse into our creative yet strategic process:

understand the animals

Identify the unique well-being, husbandry, and enrichment needs of each species
Design for functionality and operational longevity
Reflect wild habitats and geography, but with local solutions

create the experience

Define sense of place to design iconic destinations and visitor amenities
Prioritize accessibility and optimize site circulation
Ensure a cohesive and immersive environment for people of all ages and abilities

communicate the story

Build long-term love and empathy for wildlife
Weave art and science to evoke emotional connections
Inspire conservation action to create a more hopeful future

problems solved

Services

Immersive and naturalistic indoor and outdoor habitat spaces including exhibits and care areas
Animal management and containment systems including fencing, cagework, slides, veterinary areas, and maternity requirements
Aquatics including pools, streams, waterfalls and other features
Artificial rockwork design, modelling, geology, animal requirements, glazing and containment connections, and signage integration
Elements for animal enrichment and behaviour needs
Public areas including pathways, viewing and rest areas, playgrounds, and amenities
Built form elements including viewing shelters, pavilions, and bridges
Optimized circulation and considerations of sightlines, view sheds, and crossviews
Topography including grading, boulders, and rockwork
Landscape elements, planting, pathway surfacing, fencing
Playgrounds and play elements, theming, entry features, and public art
Interpretive signage and elements

Visualizations, drawings, and Narratives

Site plans, elevations, sections, and details
Technical drawing and specification packages for tendering and construction
Diagrams for circulation, amenities, interpretation, and site servicing
Interpretive plans and visitor journey narratives
Hand and computer generated illustratives, sketches, and renders
3D digital and physical models
Virtual reality simulations