Location: Sydney, Australia.

Architect: NBRS ARCHITECTURE.

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has partnered with NBRS ARCHITECTURE to create a world-class facility that aims to lead the way in global conservation through research, collaboration, and immersive learning. The design of the Institute is based on contextual research and is built to empower the scientists of tomorrow. The facility is divided into three hubs: Education, Science, and Visitor Experience, which are interconnected and connected to the wider zoo. The Science Hub is a unique on-site facility that showcases and benefits from the zoo’s unique data and specimens. It houses specialist laboratories and digital teaching labs that provide opportunities to broaden partnerships with leading universities. The Learning Hub is a space that supports over 150,000 visits per year and elevates the depth of educational engagement. It houses tutorial learning environments that allow students from all backgrounds and levels of study to interact with the zoo.

The immersive learning environments are themed around three iconic habitats: desert, rainforest, and woodland environments. Children can enter the habitat of Finches and Lizards in the Desert environment, come face to face with Primates in the Rainforest environment, and be introduced to small Macropods and circling Birds in the Woodlands environment. The animals move freely around the space, allowing children to experience their natural behaviors. The collaborative Visitor Hub is a unique space that allows a true connection between visitors and the Institute. It is designed for experiences that create a closer bond between students, scientists, and staff. The space provides a remarkable opportunity to view science and discovery first hand. The Institute has a 6-star green star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, making it an environmentally sensitive solution. Taronga Zoo is the first zoo in Australia to gain this rating, which has helped the zoo achieve carbon-neutral status six years ahead of schedule. Sustainability features include solar power, appropriate waste management, water re-use, and best practice in environmental building design. The Institute was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in October 2018. The goal of Taronga Zoo is to promote conservation, and the design of the Institute reflects this by creating a living laboratory that inspires future generations to contribute to conservation.

Photo credit: Alexander Mayes, Brett Boardman.