Charette participants introduce and explain their design responses before the entire group

In a design charette organized by the California Sierra Chapter of ASLA at the request of the Sacramento Zoo, over 50 designers, zoo experts, students and local representatives came together on January 19th to help envision the future of an expanded Zoo. The mission of the Sacramento Zoological Society is “to inspire appreciation, understanding and respect for all living things through stimulating education, wholesome recreation and innovative species management.”  The future zoo should be a center for learning, recreation, sustainability, and conservation that provides a variety of opportunities and experiences.

The charette kicked off with opening remarks from Sacramento Zoo Director Mary Healy and president of the ASLA Sierra Chapter, Ken Tatarka. Next came presentations from special guests Ray Darnell, Director of the Albuquerque BioPark, Tony Vecchio, Director of the Oregon Zoo and Mark Reed, Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita Kansas. These zoo directors from around the country shared their experiences with zoo design and provided inspiration for charette participants both through their talks and continued support and feedback throughout the session. 

Participants were divided into groups, each with a different area of focus.  Topics included designing an overall master plan for the future zoo and re-designing the existing zoo entrance to showcase future plans and generate support for zoo expansion.  The concept for the future zoo includes areas for concerts, events, and meetings.  Several groups at the charette looked at ideas for outdoor event spaces, lodges, conference centers and restaurants.  Other groups brainstormed ideas for family adventure activities such as rock climbing, interactive exhibits and boating opportunities. Education was another important area of focus. Participants came up with ideas for informal education opportunities such as outdoor classrooms, organic gardens and petting zoos.

At the end of the design session, each group presented their ideas.  Mary Healy closed the day’s events on an extremely positive note expressing gratitude for the many ideas generated and excitement for what looks like a very bright future for the Sacramento Zoo. The ASLA California Sierra Chapter and Zoo staff were overwhelmed by the incredible showing of support from the local community and the large number of charette attendees. As a next step, the California Sierra Chapter will synthesize all the design ideas into a graphic exhibit and document that will be presented to the Zoo during Landscape Architecture Month in April.