ECO-CENTER: New buildings at the Bronx Zoo are super green. (Photo: Encore/FxFowle Architects)

The Bronx Zoo is known for housing exotic creatures, but now it’s boasting some wildlooking buildings as well. Designed by FXFowle Architects, the José E. Serrano Center for Global Conservation features eco-friendly components both inside and out. The structure weaves around trees to ensure that none are harmed during construction and is specially designed to minimize bird collisions. The plans also include wetlands and a green roof planted with native vegetation to absorb storm water. Inside, staff members of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the nonprofit that runs the zoo, will work in an environment bathed in natural light and built with sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood. Planners are hoping for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating, and construction is set to be completed this fall.

 

This article originally appeared in Plenty in October 2008.

 

Copyright Environ Press 2008