Lincoln Park Zoo — Elyse Kamps iNTERIOR DESIGN

The main exhibit space opens to visitors with a freely flowing nave with way-finding tips along the non-linear path. The "Monkey Mirror" exhibit transforms into an event space.

Two Swans Cafe has intimate, historically-tied spaces to dine, as well as a more casual cafe-bar that spills out into the main exhibit space.

With LEED certification goals, second floor offices contain non-VOC materials, open space planning, daylighting strategies, and quality views.

First Level Space Plan

Second Level Space Plan

The 1927 Lincoln Park Zoo Small Animal House was transformed for this project to serve modern public zoo visitors. The design process began with five weeks of historical research, conceptual sketching, and research into contemporary international zoos. What was revealed was the story of not only a public space that went from a cholera cemetery to a renowned zoo, but the story of Chicago itself contained in historic walls. The design concept was thus driven by the rich site context and the capacity for a more dynamic interplay in the minds of visitors between honoring the past, connecting with and dignifying the captive animals, and engaging with a city and its history within the grand basilical space.

Through the cerebral conceptual phase, "kaleidoscopic thinking" or simply a kaleidoscope, became a common denominator among the numerous historic and futuristic variables researched. A kaleidoscope captures a unique moment in time and is subject to the individual viewer's perception alone, it evolves as the viewer adjusts to let in more or less unique, moment-specific light. Shifting, fleeting images mimic qualities of time. Art Deco of the 1920s also inspired the design and concept with its geometric shapes and gem-colored palette.

With the belief that a well-designed public space can affect everyone in a city, it was important to break down barriers between the public and animals formerly housed in close quarters on the site. The new design has an open floor plan and no live animals on display. Now, visitors engage with re-created environments of the past as hey travel the journey of Bushman from Cameroon to Chicago and glimpse into the minds of the zoo's earliest caretakers.

Programmatic Direction:

- Alter the historic Lincoln Park Zoo Small Animal House into a long-awaited museum telling its story;
- Provide administrative office facilities;
- Research zoo's place in community and history and provide a strong concept to advance fundraising;
- Design exciting exhibit spaces for young and old, a restaurant, and museum gift shop;
- Design a project for LEED Gold certification;
- Provide ticket arrival and mechanical space;
- Design enclosed offices for the Curator, Marketing Manager, and conference room to seat 16;
- Design open space system furniture cubicles for four Curator Assistants with access to the Curator's office;
- Provide Receptionist desk and arrival space.