CONCEPTUAL PLANNING

A cross functional, multi-disciplinary team is carefully put together for each project and spends about  5 days on-site in a BH&F Creative Design Workshop together with the Client. If travel is an issue, on site workshop(s) can be replaced with Zoom based workshops and WhatsApp chat groups using a good topographical site plan at 1m contours showing trees and other important features and a drone survey of the site, to pick up the finer aspects of the topography, especially the trees and buildings etc. .

 

Workshop based brainstorming sessions on project analysis, storyline generation, space allocation, concept designing together with animal collection planning is conducted. These Design Workshops are highly interactively, facilitated and managed, and true to their cross disciplinary nature, generates refreshingly lateral and creative ideas. This method of working gives the Workshop process a high level of adaptability and works well in the design of zoos, wildlife related attractions and tourism related products.

 

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MASTER PLANNING

Following on from the Concept Plan Design and working even more closely with the Client is the next stage of developing the Master Plan. This commences with a further in-depth analysis of the site's topographical features together with the exact placement of animal exhibits, visitor facilities, utility networks and service areas on an appropriately scaled plan. All planning alternatives are carefully explored again together with opportunities and constraints, the animal collection recommended, other areas of design, education and conservation, environmental and engineering requirements. The method of the Creative Design Workshop is employed with the original Team that developed the Concept Plan.

 

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & DETAIL DESIGN

The design process involves three stages of concept, schematic and detailed design for each animal exhibit, service and public building. These are developed in conjunction with the client's locally appointed architect and design team of engineers, landscape architect, etc. As they are familiar with local codes of practice, material and construction costs and have the required accreditation and license, shall prepare and sign-off on all construction documents. This local team needs to be carefully selected and engaged by the client to work alongside the BH&F Design Team.

 

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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION & OBSERVATION

Construction documents drawn up by the Client's appointed local design team are examined and commented upon by the BH&F Design Team. There are periodic 'site observation visits' to discuss the project's progress with the Client's project manager and to solve the usual site problems which arise in such developments.

 

 

COMMISSIONING, TRAINING & ANIMAL PRESENTATIONS

With the arrival of animals, we can step in again with our expertise in acclimatization of the newly arrived animals, the introduction of animals to new exhibits, advice on specialized animal husbandry, followed by specialized training in animal management, zoo operations, horticulture and ground maintenance. When all is set up, the we can help train presenters and animals to put together an educational and naturalistic presentation.

 

 

MANAGEMENT

A management and operations contract, as an independent operator or management agent, we are comfortable to be engaged by a Client to manage a newly developed zoo or wildlife facility with all aspects of park operations.

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