Swaim Associates Architects

VISION STATEMENT

The new Zoo School at the Reid Park Zoo will become a physical statement of the Zoo's mission to encourage human commitment to the conservation of biological diversity by:
Providing a unique building that enables the Zoo's education programs to expand and reach a greater audience.
Engaging and inspiring guests to "live green" by showcasing the feasibility and practicality of environmentally responsible design.
Demonstrating the highest standards of sustainable building practices.
Receiving a LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council through the integration of design, systems and materials.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

CITY:

To create and demonstrate a new standard for energy conservation.

To provide a showcase for conservation methods to the Tucson community.

To support the City Manager's goal for Tucson to reach "Top 10 City" status.

PARKS & RECREATION:

To show that the Zoo is at the heart of Parks & Recreation.

To provide an interesting and unique opportunity for the Tucson community.

TUCSON ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY:

To take the first step in the implementation of the entire master plan.

To prove to potential donors that the capital campaign will work and that the master plan can be achieved.

REID PARK ZOO:

To enable the Zoo to be usable 24 hours a day year round.

To enable the Zoo School activity hours to be the same as the Zoo hours.

For the new building to fit in with the Zoo and have a "zoological feel."

To create a special building/space in the Zoo that is timeless and can evolve.

To avoid allowing technology to force the design and cause the building to look outdated in the future (i.e. Future World at Disney World).

To utilize old/traditional and new sustainable technologies and design practices.

To provide a space for Docents to run programs during inclement weather.