Smithsonian National Zoological Park Conservation
Education Center
Washington, DC
Client:
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ)
c/o Chatelain Architects
Services Provided:
Geotechnical Engineering Design
The Conservation Education Center is planned in the general area of animal exhibits south of the Valley Trail, in the western portion of the zoo. The development consists of two semi-circular shaped buildings that will collectively encompass approximately 40,000 SF. Both buildings are planned as three-story structures with one below-grade level. A stair walkway and terrace will connect the two buildings.
Due to the fact that the new education center was within
an existing animal containment area, coordination of the
field investigation with zoo personnel was critical. Access
was extremely limited and required the use of specialized
skid rig equipment to access sidewalk areas with only 4-foot
wide corridors. The investigation was completed on-time,
on-budget and with minimal disturbance to the zoo operations.
