Taronga Western Plains Zoo

SMM were engaged with PTW Architects, for the redevelopment of the entry precinct at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. New and upgraded facilities designed by SMM included the entry gate, lakefront seating areas, boardwalks and lookouts, access to the conference centre, an outdoor function area, and an interpretive ‘Safari Park’ playground.

 Inspired by a combination of African themes and the Western NSW landscape, the design merges the themes of the Savannah landscape, “Africa in the backyard”, and the landscape of the central plains to create a new landscape direction. Other key moves include interception of overland flow into planted bio-swales, logical vehicle and pedestrian circulation, better utilisation of public space and vistas to existing features, interpretive playground facilities, and integration of African, Aboriginal and Western NSW themes.