Client Auckland Zoo
Project South East Asia Jungle Track
With worldwide appreciation for the care and support of animals, Auckland Zoo is leading the world in both the welfare of animals and the education of the public. The development of the South East Asia Jungle Track is the biggest and most significant project in its 99-year history.
Working closely with Thoughtfull and the team at Auckland Zoo the challenge for Formworks was to reimagine how both children and adults at the zoo were engaged and educated into the various attributes of the animals. By focusing on the unique talents of the individual animals the design team were able to develop a range of interactive elements scattered throughout the South East Asia precinct.
In order to ensure any depiction of the animals, the facts and the storytelling were accurate, regular session were held with experts from Auckland Zoo to brainstorm ideas, forms and review prototypes of the design elements.
Using a combination of research, sketching, form studies, focus groups and iterative model making, the design team refined and improved upon each element that went into the South East Asia Jungle Track. In order to deliver the project successfully all interpretive elements needed to comply with strict playground safety standards, with structural engineering analysis required for several of the larger pieces.
To provide Auckland Zoo with a seamless experience, Formworks lead the project from design approval through to the sourcing and installation of the various interpretive elements.
The new precinct was opened to the public in March 2020.
