Zoo of inverted perspectives
: A new way of viewing nature
Barcelona, Spain
2018
A new version of zoo should redefine a relationship between man and nature. The Space has been a symbol of an imbalance of the relationship, but now can be an exemplary place makes people rethink about their position in nature.
A few centuries ago, nature was much uncontrollable and undefeatable. People had to avoid or protect themselves from the unknown area; wilderness. To satisfy a curiosity about the world, a traditional zoo was only focusing on "exhibiting" a part of the world. By objectifying animals, people could imagine the undiscovered side of wildlife. However, the notion of wilderness has been undermined. People explored almost every part of the world. Man does not have to fear nor overcome it for survival anymore. The dichotomous view is not valid that nature is much closer than before. Zoo was once a byproduct of people's wish to conquer/possess nature, but now can be a symbol of a coexistence as a habitat for animals.
Rudolph Ackermann‘Royal Menagerie, Exeter ’Change, Strand’ The Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, vol.8, (1812), courtesy of the Yale Center for British Art.
In order to remind people of the mutual position of man and nature, we invert space for people and animals. People stay in a cage, while animals are free in their habitat. People become an object, and animals are located at a position of an observer. Consequently, inverting spaces lead to invert people's perception toward animals, and change the way of viewing nature.
Maximized Space for animals: New nature
Grassland, mediterranean, tropical forest, temperate forest, desert, and savanna climates are placed in camouflage pattern which is complying existing condition(soil, elevation, ground cover) of the site. The wrinkly shaped boundary maximizes its perimeter and diversifies spaces for their habitat. The Amorphous shape makes to perceive the space as undefined.
Minimum space for people: Viewing cage
All of the spaces for people are enclosed by nature, not vice versa as before. These spaces are connected by on ground, above ground and underground paths. Each path is placed and designed by considering its relationship with animals.
Buildings: Mediator between the city and new nature
Buildings are placed along to the site edge. It becomes an interactive boundary of the city and the new nature by serving both for animals from inside, and people from outside.
