Project of the "Arctic" zone in Almaty Zoological Park

On the eve of the new year every organization sums up the results of the past year. And Aqua Logo Engineering is no exception. One of our most interesting and significant objects of 2023 is the project of "Arctic" zone in Almaty Zoological Park. This year, the "conceptual design" stage was developed and approved, and at the moment, work is underway to complete the design documentation.

The 0.8 hectare "Arctic" zone is part of the large-scale reconstruction of the Almaty Zoo. The original concept for the master plan for the renovation and development of the zoo The "Arctic" zone with an area of 0.8 hectares is part of the large-scale reconstruction of the Almaty Zoo. The original concept for the master plan for the renovation and development of the zoo grounds was authored by Peter Rasbach. Based on the coherence and logistics of this plan, the design department of Aqua Logo Engineering proposed a bold concept of a polar complex in the form of three intersecting rings in plan, with an observation bridge and underwater viewing for visitors. 

3d sketch. View from the southwest

A significant part of the territory is dedicated to polar bears, and there are also enclosures for small polar animals. The concept was highly appreciated by the zoo management. Despite the boldness and expressiveness of the planning solutions, the aviary complex has been thought out in detail in terms of animal comfort, ease of maintenance, and accessibility for low-mobility groups among visitors. The project was discussed with the participation of M. M. Galeshchuk, coordinator of the European Polar Bear Population Program (EPP), leading specialist of the Moscow Zoo.

Map of Almaty Zoo. The projected zone "Arctic" is located in the southern part of the zoo - partly on the existing territory of ungulates, partly on a vacant lot.

Photo of the existing condition of the site

The topography of the site in the allotted location allows the exposition to be viewed on two levels. The composition of the "Arctic zone" is skillfully inscribed in the form of three circles, which contributes to convenient logistics of visitors' movement and location of necessary technical areas.

3d sketch. Top view

The main street view of the enclosures is from the platform separating the two polar bear enclosures. The platform turns into a ramp that goes up to the roof of the technical part of the complex. From the upper area a view of the third enclosure is organized, which is intended for a female polar bear with cubs. In order not to disturb her, the view is organized through mirrored glass reflecting the light from the animals. From the upper platform, new and interesting vistas open up.  Throughout the entire journey, including the ramps, the visitor has an unobstructed view of the enclosures from different sides through the viewing glasses.

3d sketch. View from the north-east

The walls of the circular contour of the complex are chaotically divided into monolithic vertical planes with different intervals and contours, which create the image of huge ice floes. The gaps between the volumes of the cages are filled with metal lattice. This construction forms openings through which air flows provide a favorable atmosphere in the enclosures. The decoration is proposed to be made with polymer concrete in natural style with imitation of rock formations.

Selection of materials in the project

Visitors can enter the lower viewing area on the northern side of the facility year-round via a ramp. The wall of the hall adjacent to the polar bear enclosures is equipped with impact-resistant acrylic windows that allow viewing the animals both underwater and on land.  There are interactive zones, information stands and benches for resting.

3d sketch. Interior with underwater view. The brutal design of the visitor areas emphasizes the harsh image of northern nature.

Irina Razumova, Lead Architect, Aqua Logo Engineering