concolor
Animal research
The purpose
Zoos have become a space for the exclusion of animals instead of being a space for their knowledge and development. Concolor was born as a redesign of an enclosure to improve the quality of life of the puma concolor in captivity and the experience of visitors. With this type of research and proposals we can promote a different analysis for the experience of animals.
Divided into two main areas: the natural enclosure and the underground exhibition, which are connected by tunnels that allow a view of the animal from various angles. In this way we prevent the puma from feeling watched and from having greater freedoms. The spaces are adapted to have the necessary services for the puma and for visitors.
Tec
2020
Research, moodboards, modeling and development of mockups
Rhinoceros, Ps, Ai
The process
Our zoo is divided into four zones to meet the needs of each stakeholder we considered, which include visitors, the Puma concolor, the puma caretakers, the veterinarians, the maintenance workers, and other general staff. These zones are the enclosure, the tunnels, the exhibition area, and the service area. For each of these, we have created a requirements table to ensure that no specifications are overlooked and to provide the best experience for everyone. Additionally, we developed technical drawings, 3D models, illustrations, and a scale model to best represent each section of the zoo. The different areas were designed as an integrated whole, but each was designed individually to meet the specific requirements.
Furthermore, our space was designed to house only one species due to the behavior and wildlife preferences of the Puma concolor. We decided that it should be the only animal housed in the enclosure because they are not a social species and will be more comfortable without company. Last but not least, our zoo will be located in the La Malinche National Park, so many parts of our design were created and adapted to fit within this natural environment. Most of the vegetation and materials we selected are native to that area, as we aim to minimize the negative environmental impact of our construction.
The design
The Enclosure:
For the enclosure, we aimed to create a comfortable space for the puma that would improve its well-being. We wanted to adapt our design to the natural environment already present in La Malinche. We selected organic and spacious forms so the puma could walk comfortably. The enclosure had to be completely enclosed to prevent the puma from accessing other enclosures.
First, we constructed a concrete barrier surrounding the entire perimeter, which connects with the service area. Then, we added a stainless steel mesh on top to allow natural light into the enclosure while preventing the puma from escaping.
Regarding the landscape, we preserved all the natural reliefs and added as few artificial elements as possible, such as observation points and large rocks. We also used the trees already present to support the mesh and keep it in place.
To create the best enclosure, we established several requirements that not only meet the needs but also the desires and preferences of each stakeholder, primarily those of the puma.
General: ✓ Varied reliefs
✓ Only one puma
✓ No additional animals (placed)
✓ Avoid reflective surfaces
✓ Barriers
✓ Top mesh
Habitat: ✓ Hiding spots
✓ Rocky cliffs
✓ Trees
✓ Flora:
Tall pine and oak trees
Riparian vegetation
Shrubs
Extras: ✓ Small river
Dimensions: ✓ 30m x 60m x 3m (average)
Landscape: ✓ Wide travel corridor
✓ Tall trees for climbing
✓ Areas to hide food
✓ Small body of water
The Tunnels:
The tunnels are where the entire experience takes place. This space is designed for visitors to discover and immerse themselves in the puma’s space. We decided to incorporate the enclosure area as part of the user experience, allowing people to climb and descend the natural slopes, making the experience more engaging. Therefore, we placed different observation points, some at lower levels and others higher up, so if you don’t see the puma when you’re down below, you can spot it when you’re at the top.
There are two entrances to the tunnel, located on the left and right sides of the exhibition area. This allows people to choose which side to begin their journey. The tunnel follows a winding path, has different levels connected by ramps, and features four viewpoints along the way. The first viewpoint is exposed at the bottom of a slope, followed by a path leading to the other two viewpoints situated on top of the puma area and then descending to the final viewpoint.
An important feature is the emergency exit located on the left side of the tunnel, where the service area is located. This was considered for emergencies or any incidents that may occur inside, providing easy access to medical services and parking. Additionally, a section of the right side of the tunnel intersects with the exhibition area. We thought it would be interesting to cover this part with glass so that people in the exhibition area could take a glimpse of what’s happening inside the tunnel.
To create the best tunnels, we established various requirements that not only meet the needs but also the desires and preferences of each stakeholder.
General: ✓ Ramps
✓ Handrails
✓ Multiple viewpoints
✓ Emergency exit
✓ Two entrances
✓ Glass structural system
The Exhibition:
The exhibition space is planned to be underground, with a circular shape. Here, there will be interactive points in the center where people can move around to learn about the Puma concolor. These will be available at various heights, featuring touchscreen displays and braille, making the experience inclusive. Additionally, screens on the walls will allow people to observe the puma’s behavior during the night, as it is a nocturnal animal.
The shape of the interactive points is inspired by the path that pumas take in the wild. Their movements create a "star" shape. Moreover, there will be two glass walls within the center of the exhibition so people can interact with each other and see the entire area.
To create the best exhibition space, we set different requirements that not only meet the needs but also the desires and preferences of each stakeholder.
General: ✓ Trap cameras
✓ Ramps
✓ Inclusive bathrooms for both men and women
✓ Important information about the animals (written and in braille)
✓ Benches for sitting
✓ Screens with videos
The Services:
The service area is designed to address and prevent issues that cannot be resolved in the other three areas. We connected the space to the enclosure with quick access to the exterior for any situation that may arise. The area is primarily focused on the zookeepers, workers, and veterinarians. We thought that by meeting their requirements, we would enhance the experience for others.
The shape is an extrusion from the exterior of the enclosure, as we wanted it to visually align with the main silhouette. Another important feature is the area’s levels, with two distinct levels. The services for the puma are at ground level for easy transport from the outside to the enclosure. The second level starts from the tunnel level and ends at ground level, connected by a ramp for easy access.
We divided the area into two sections: one for the people and another for the Puma concolor. For the former, we established zones for the visitors’ comfort, such as a nursery, lost-and-found area, and an emergency exit leading to parking. We also included a cleaning storage room and a general storage space for essential items, like wheelchairs, lockers for zookeepers, or spare objects from the exhibition area. The width of this area was kept narrow to maintain consistency with the tunnel areas.
For the puma’s service area, we considered a larger space, as we wanted to provide everything the animal might need. This includes various storage areas, a consultation room, two containment zones, and two entrance points to the enclosure. We kept it on a single level and made it wider rather than longer so that zookeepers and workers wouldn’t have to walk long distances to get to specific areas.
To create the best service area, we set different requirements that not only meet the needs but also the desires and preferences of each stakeholder. These requirements guided the design of the spaces.
General for the Puma Service Area: ✓ Vehicle access for keepers
✓ Containment areas
✓ Secure access doors for keepers (no guillotines)
✓ Keeper zones with food and devices (large refrigerators and lockers)
✓ Alarm systems
✓ Security room
✓ Veterinary area (with medications and all necessities)
✓ Keeper bathroom
✓ Storage for puma capture items
Food in Storage: ✓ Carnivore diet
✓ Supplements
✓ Welfare items
✓ Scent lures
✓ Sugar sacks
✓ Cardboard mannequins
✓ Frozen blood buckets
✓ Watermelons, coconuts, and play balls
General for Visitor Service Area: ✓ Lost and found area
✓ Nursery
✓ First aid kit
✓ Restrooms
✓ Rest bed
✓ Cleaning storage
✓ General storage
The impact
We have researched and evaluated many factors in zoos that may not be ideal for either the visitor experience or the well-being of the animals. We decided that, if we wanted to make a significant change, we needed to reverse the roles. By creating underground tunnels, the puma could live in a larger space, more similar to the outside world, while people could have certain observation points to see what happens outside. So now, the puma would be free, and the visitor would be in the enclosed space. We thought this could provide an entirely new experience for visitors, but it could also foster empathy for what the animal feels when it's in a regular zoo.
