Columbian Park Zoo

Lafayette, Indiana
Client: Lafayette Parks & Recreation

As one of Indiana’s oldest zoos, the small, free zoo has provided the local community an important cultural amenity since 1908. In 2003, the zoo prepared to expand by nearly three times in order to update its facilities, increase its collection and meet the damands of a growing community. As part of the design team consisting of architects, landscape architects and an animal collection consultant, Andy Albright acted as project landscape architect from master planning through implementation of the first phase of construction, which accounted for a new zoo administration building, a gift shop/restroom building and the overall site infrastructure. Andy served as project manager during the design of animal exhibits and exhibit illustrations used in support of Zoo fund-raising efforts.

The proposed Master Plan celebrates the Zoo’s rich heritage while creating facilities that exceed contemporary standards for zoo development. Circulation within the Zoo allows visitors to interact with the exhibits at various levels, from casual observation on primary thoroughfares to playful imitation at interactive nodes and adventurous immersion within exhibit zones.

Architect: Scholer Corporation
Prime site consultant: CONTEXT, LLC. Images used with permission.