AN INVESTIGATION F LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AS A TOOL TO EXPLORE ENRICHED ENVIRONMENTS FOR CAPTIVE ANIMALS: AN ELEPHANT PARK'

Abstract

Zoos do not and have not evolved with time. They were and are still being designed to please the human eye, instead of focusing on the needs of their primary users, the animals. Naturalistic facades and expansive enclosures do little for the well-being of the animal, rather cater more towards appearing more 'natural' for the visitor. My thesis proposes the zoo typology being replaced by specific animal parks that cater to the needs of that particular animal by incorporating the idea of enrichments; behavioral and environmental, into its design, and replacing those artificial enhancements that are present in the present zoos, as well as shifting the visitors' role from a mere spectator to an active participant, by creating meaningful interaction and programs that would shift the visitors' focus from simply looking at the animals to being fully immersed in their routine and environment.