I’ve always thought we should really be putting every effort into developing a, a genetic test that will identify zoo architects at birth. So we can kill them before they actually do some real damage. But that probably won’t be possible, at least not in my lifetime. So my approach to zoo design is basically, one, learn some basic skills. So not only how to read a plan, how to alter one, how to draw a plan, be aware of materials, be willing to listen to guys from the maintenance department who will have a better understanding than I ever will about how certain materials may or may not last or react or, you know, their relative strengths or whatever you design animal facilities as if you are going to be working in them every day. So if you’ve been a zookeeper and if you’ve been a good curator, and if you’ve been a better director, you’ve been a zookeeper and chances are you’ve worked in animal facilities that were a nightmare. The classic one of, you know, zookeepers being able to push water uphill to reach the drain or as we mentioned earlier, but walking through doors that are designed for humans of half size. Designing in an intelligent way. What, what works.
