Transform the old elephant house? Or should we go for a new build? Gottlieb Paludan Architects has advised Copenhagen Zoo on strategies for future catering and conference premises.

Copenhagen Zoo anticipates rising numbers of visitors, especially with regards to catering and conference facilities at the zoo. This is not least on account of the expected arrival of two pandas in 2017. While this presents a business opportunity, it also forces a decision as to how the increased space requirements may be accommodated within the garden. Gottlieb Paludan Architects compared the local conditions of the zoo with an analysis of other zoos’ strategies for siting and allocating space for catering premises.

The opportunity to get close to the animals in the garden and the experience of being in a special place constitute an all-important asset for Copenhagen Zoo. Thus, it was essential to provide a well-founded basis to balance experiential aspects with smooth logistics.

Gottlieb Paludan Architects’ services include:

- preparing site and logistics analyses;

- evaluating the opportunities of the existing building stock; and 

- scenarios for the sitings of catering functions.