SRG Partnership, a Portland architecture and planning firm, is heading up a world-class team of consultants who will help the Oregon Zoo chart a course for the next 25 years, zoo officials said. SRG, along with CLR Design, Atelier Dreiseitl and a cadre of subconsultants, will spend the next year evaluating zoo operations and creating a master plan for projects funded by the $125 million zoo bond measure passed in 2008. Their plan is expected to be complete by fall 2011.
Once the master plan is complete, the zoo will spend an estimated eight years building exhibits that will turn the voters’ vision into reality. In addition to tackling exhibits and other new facilities outlined in the bond, the consultant team will provide expert advice on reuse and conservation of water and energy. Sustainability initiatives will include harvesting rainwater, improving the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, reclaiming and recycling water from animal exhibits, and possibly generating energy on site.
In preparation for the zoo bond measure in November 2008, staff identified animal care and programmatic needs along with target budgets for nine projects that included six animal exhibits, a new educational facility, upgrades to pipes, roads and energy systems, and a new veterinary medical clinic. To make the most efficient and effective use of bond funds, this team of master planning experts will work with zoo staff to determine the location of each exhibit. The team will also develop a project phasing plan and address a variety of complex scheduling and budgeting issues.
With an understanding of the zoo’s mission and thematic goals, and the range of programs offered to visitors of all ages, SRG will map a new layout of zoo facilities and craft schematic designs, illustrations and thorough descriptions for each project. The new designs will improve visitor circulation and address grading, landscaping, construction materials, lighting and exhibit signs.
The SRG team will be responsible for estimating the costs for improvements, sequencing projects and providing an overall schedule. They will also help staff consider important features of the zoo campus such as the railroad and the concert stage and lawn, as well as factor in constraints such as ground instability in some areas. The consultant team will help zoo staff integrate construction into zoo operations as seamlessly as possible to ensure that the zoo remains a welcoming and enjoyable attraction for visitors and that there is minimal impact to animal health and safety.