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Groundbreaking and Plans Unveiled for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s New Primate Forest

The Largest Project in the Zoo's Nearly 200 Year History is Now Underway...

Yesterday marked a major milestone for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as they, in partnership with DVA Architecture LLC and WDM Architects, officially broke ground on the highly anticipated Primate Forest. This groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the unveiling of plans for the most significant capital project in the zoo’s history—a multi-phase transformation that will redefine the guest experience while elevating the zoo’s role as a leader in global conservation, animal welfare, and education.

The Primate Forest, slated to open in 2026, will feature four innovative spaces, including the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home and three immersive animal habitats: Tropical Forest, Orangutan Forest, and Gorilla Forest. At DVA Architecture, we’ve been thrilled to design these spaces to connect visitors with the animals like never before. The new Forest Home will welcome guests with an immersive entry, utilizing projection mapping to highlight the intricate relationship between people, animals, and their habitats. Enhanced dining, retail spaces, and flexible conference areas will create a vibrant, interactive hub for education and discovery.

Key features include the expanded Orangutan Forest, which preserves the iconic 40-foot geodesic dome while adding more engaging outdoor spaces and complex climbing structures for the orangutans. An elevated trail will offer visitors a fresh perspective, bringing them closer to the animals and their care. Meanwhile, the renovation of over 63,000 square feet in the Tropical Forest and plans for the future 25,000-square-foot Gorilla Forest will create world-class habitats that foster both animal well-being and guest education.

This $60 million project, funded through philanthropic support and capital funds, represents a bold vision for the future of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. At DVA Architecture, we are proud to be part of this journey, working to create a destination that not only enhances the guest experience but also strengthens the zoo’s commitment to conservation, science, and community engagement.


Learn more here!

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NEOCON 2024 Trend Report

By Madalyn Norman • September 26, 2024
Our team recently attended NeoCon 2024 at the historic Merchandise Mart and Design Days at Fulton Market in Chicago, where we delved into the latest advancements and trends in interior design. As one of the premier commercial design industry events, NeoCon is a pivotal forum for unveiling fresh ideas and pioneering solutions. While in Chicago, we gathered valuable insights into influential interior design strategies, particularly for an upcoming project with a private client and other upcoming ventures. We also met with this client to discuss their major office renovation scheduled for 2025. During our time at the event, we encountered a diverse array of trends that are shaping the future of interior spaces; from bold jewel tones that add a luxurious touch to interior spaces, to biophilic design elements that seamlessly blend the outdoors with the indoor environment. Let’s dive into some of the styles we love from this year’s convention. OUTDOOR & BIOPHILIC DESIGN ELEMENTS The trend of bringing the outdoors in and encouraging indoor dwellers to spend more time outside is embodied in the integration of planters, natural materials, natural shapes, and versatile and comfortable outdoor furniture. By incorporating lush greenery and natural elements like teak wood and stone accents into indoor and outdoor spaces, designers create seamless transitions that blur the distinction between interior and exterior environments. This approach not only enhances visual continuity but also promotes a sense of well-being by fostering connections with nature.
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