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.
our approach
Zoological projects require a specialized approach, navigating nuanced topics including animal well-being 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.
global connections, local context
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.
creativity through collaboration
The best projects begin with ideas that snowball into passionate visions and inspire buy-in from all team members to turn concept into reality. groundcubed leverages strong relationships with other subject matter experts, architects, engineers, contractors, and specialty fabricators to ensure our project strategy is interdisciplinary and comprehensive.
Our portfolio spans different types of habitats and species, including hoofed species, dangerous animals, aquatic habitats, mixed-species spaces, and enclosures with complex containment conditions.
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
services
habitats
- 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
- 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
services
habitats
- 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
- 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
