MITHŪN

Overview

Zoomazium demonstrates a new paradigm for interactive exhibit space that is sustainable, adaptable and flexible. Nestled in Woodland Park Zoo’s lush vegetation, it is a place for children to forge life-long commitments to animals, our shared habitat and the planet. Designed to fulfill the need for a wintertime play area, the small, well-proportioned building evokes understanding of the environment through the integration of natural lighting and ventilation, water retention and a green roof. It departs from the “black box” exhibit model that relies entirely on artificial lighting, and instead reaches out to the surrounding Pacific Northwest forest as an extension of the interior space. This “green box” approach helped to make Zoomazium the first LEED® Gold zoo building in the world.

Awards

2007 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Award – Citation
2007 Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Excellence in Construction