Leipzig Zoo is one of the most modern and innovative zoos worldwide. The 'Zoo of the Future' concept demonstrates species-appropriate animal husbandry that provides a unique experience for zoo guests. Since 2016 we have been actively contributing to the visual landscape of Leipzig Zoo to ensure that visitors understand the animals and their habitats with all their senses and are still enthusiastic (or precisely because of it).
„Immersive landscapes offer great scope for affective learning and add important dimensions to attractive leisure activities.“
Jon Coe in „Landscape Immersion – Origins and Concepts“
Immerse, experience and understand
Scenography and set construction
Animals, paths, gastronomy, sanitation. Materials, surfaces, designs, and colors: the authentically and lovingly designed South America world at Leipzig Zoo not only shows animals in their home environment but also takes people on their journey. This impressive 360-degree experience inspires, which in turn creates the willingness to absorb informative content encouraging a lasting, emotional conviction that nature and animals are worthy of protection.
Moodboard South America
⬤
At the beginning of the scenographic assignment, we created a mood board that visualizes the world of experience for the first time. Here we were inspired by the colorful streetscapes of South America.
Walls tell stories
Facade painting and murals
Path and guest guidance is an essential topic for discussion in the extensive South America complex. On the one hand, it is about good signage to ensure that orientation is as easy as possible. On the other hand, it is also about upgrading areas without animal lookouts and unsightly farm roads for visitors. Façade paintings are fantastic for this: They are inexpensive and can be implemented quickly, create aesthetically entertaining added value, and are popular photo motifs (also for further use in social networks).
Spanish nursery rhymes
⬤
In the murals in the South America experience, we work with well-known Spanish nursery rhymes and songs, as well as regional and cultural design elements such as the mandala.
Facade painting and murals
⬤
To immerse visitors in the experience, visual disruptive factors are scenographically enhanced. Facade paintings are fantastically suitable for this.
Wall murals
⬤
Wall murals are an inexpensive option that provide entertainment and aesthetic value...
...and are popular photo motifs (when used further in social networks).
Materiality
⬤
In the South American experience, "The path from naturalness to abandoned settlement" is narrated scenographically. Not only motives and colors, but also the choice and processing of materials contribute to this.
Immersive landscape
⬤
Animal enclosures, trails, fencing, and signage create a well-rounded environment that immerses visitors in the South American experience. Immersion is proven to support the readiness for effective learning.
Theory
⬤
Every facade painting, or mural, is first planned digitally. The motifs and colors are designed specifically for the dimensions and materiality of the soon-to-be-painted walls.
Practice
⬤
The dancing, colorful chicken adorns the outside wall of the petting zoo EL RANCHITO and puts you in a good mood before you even enter.
Where the wild animals live
Enclosures and signs
In principle, the animal enclosures at Leipzig Zoo are thought through by architects in close coordination with biologists. Animal welfare and natural habitat design are top priorities. Nevertheless, in the South American enclosures, we contributed to the aesthetic experience for the pleasure of the visitors with scenographic and decorative embellishments. Of course, following the guidelines of being species-appropriate, mechanically safe, and non-intrusive to the wellbeing of the animals. We design for the premise of strengthening the immersive experience of the guest to increase learning motivation and efficiency.
Petting zoo 'El Ranchito'
⬤
Material, colors, facade painting - the newly designed petting zoo area is borrowed from South American scenography down to the smallest detail.
Theory
⬤
Not only are signs essential for grabbing attention and delivering information...
Praxis
⬤
...they can also assist in painting the whole scenographic picture.
Animal enclosures
⬤
In all decisions, the welfare of the animals is paramount. Under these conditions, we designed the petting zoo scenographically and decoratively.
Part of the coati enclosure is the setting for a South American kiosk.
Naturally species-appropriate and safe for animals in terms of health.
Coati House
⬤
The premise of our scenographic design for animal enclosures is to enhance the experience and increase visitors' motivation to learn.
Lunch break at the Hacienda
Catering complex
So many impressions, so many experiences - it is clear that visitors also need a break to strengthen themselves. For example in the Hacienda: the largest gastronomic complex in the South American world. Snack bars, rest areas, and sanitary facilities are integrated into the overall look of the theme world, thus creating the ambiance of having an authentic South American siesta - even if you bring your own lunch.
Resting places
⬤
Visitors take a break in the shade of the wooden shelters of the Hacienda gastronomic complex.
Color selection
⬤
The spot color of the entire complex is red. It becomes more colourful in some places.
Takeaway
⬤
The Hacienda works with printed awnings, murals, and posters.
Crafting in the garden
⬤
For all zoo lovers who want to interrupt the animal tour with a creative break, there is the hands-on workshop TAMMI'S GARDEN.
Tammi's washing station
⬤
From loving little details like the frog knob...
...to hand-picked requisites on playful colors. Let's go, kids!
Props complete everything
Poster design
Just like facade paintings, posters beautify paths and walls. They are inexpensive, flexible, and indispensable in scenographic design. Their popularity as a photo motif has positive effects for dissemination in social networks. We even produced our South American animal posters as purchasable prints! Now every guest can take a piece of zoo memory home with them while also contributing to species protection in the process. Interested? Then please right this way
Poster Art
⬤
The centerpiece of the South American scenery is the colorful posters, flyers, and placards in old-school South American styling.
Also for at home!
⬤
Because the posters at Leipzig Zoo inspired so many people, we have directly produced an edition for sale. Interested? Write to merch@ungestalt.de!
World Travel Feeling
⬤
At the Hacienda, specially created posters help to make you feel like you're on another continent while you eat your lunch.
„South America continues to grow: The Tierra del Fuego theme world will be the new home for Humboldt penguins and seals from 2022.“
