2007 VA ASLA Awards

General Design Professional - National Zoological Park Asia Trail

Honor Award 

Project: National Zoological Park Asia Trail
Landscape Architect: Nelson Byrd Woltz
Architect: Chatelain Architects
Client: Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Contractor & construction management: Hensel Phelps and Boris
MEP: Ore Arup & Partners
Structural engineer: McMullan & Associates
Civil engineer: William H. Gordon Associates, Inc.
Rockwork consultant: Weidlinger Associates, Inc.
Lighting design: D. Gilmore Lighting Design, Inc.
Fountain design: Siska-Aurand

The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and many of its exhibits and approaches to the display of animals are outdated. Older zoos typically grouped animals by type. Furthermore, the display of the animals tended to focus more on the experience of the visitors rather than that of the animals.

The primary goal of this project was to create a series of cohesive exhibits that relied on region and ecosystem as the link between the animals while adhering to as many sustainable design principles as possible. The ASIA TRAIL features seven endangered Asian animals - giant panda, red panda, giant salamander, small-clawed otter, clouded leopard, fishing cat, and sloth bear.  The habitats are linked by a trail that extends a little over a quarter of a mile through the Zoo's steep central valley.  Habitats have been created for each of the animals with places for refuge, play, feeding, warmth and coolness in an effort to provide interest to the animals and encourage behavioral displays that are typical of their wild relatives.