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Symbiotic Design: Insights from the 2024 AZA Conference

Our Zoological Studio Director Shares Insights into the Future of Zoo Design from the 2024 Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conference

Last month, our Zoological Studio Director, Holly Grambort ra, ncarb, leed ap joined zoo and aquarium experts from around the world at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, CA. Hosted by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the conference spotlighted the latest developments in exhibit design, animal welfare, and conservation practices, giving Holly a wealth of insights and inspiration to bring back to DVA.


Pushing the Boundaries of Exhibit Design: The “On the Boards” Session

One of Holly’s conference sessions, titled "On the Boards," focused on how leading designers and zoo professionals are responding to modern challenges in exhibit design, from improving animal welfare to enhancing visitor experiences. Among the presentations was Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s upcoming Primate Forest project, shared by Dr. Chris Kuhar, Executive Director of CMZ, and Matt Schindler from WDM Architects. The session showcased how designers and institutions can collaborate to create innovative spaces that meet both the needs of the animals and the expectations of visitors.


Fresh Perspectives in Zoo Exhibit Design: “What’s New in Exhibit Design” Session

The "What’s New in Exhibit Design" session featured new and diverse exhibits from across AZA member institutions, demonstrating how the industry is creatively adapting to meet animals’ needs and enhance visitor engagement. As DVA works on projects like Primate Forest, this session emphasized the importance of leveraging design to foster a deeper connection between people and wildlife.


Prioritizing Safety in Zoo Environments: "Human Safety is Animal Safety" Panel

Safety in animal environments was the focus of the "Human Safety is Animal Safety" panel, where Holly gained insights into risk mitigation strategies for facilities housing dangerous animals. Presenters discussed tools like Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and emphasized both physical and psychological safety, highlighting best practices for aligning safety protocols with industry standards and OSHA regulations. This panel, led by an impressive all-women team of experts, underscored the need for careful planning and design to protect both zoo staff and the animals they care for—a commitment that DVA upholds in each project we undertake.


Networking and Product Discovery

Exploring the conference exhibit hall, Holly connected with industry vendors and discovered new products, materials, and services that could bring value to our future zoo projects. This opportunity allowed her to gain insights that will help our team continue creating enriching and sustainable spaces for animals and visitors alike.


Behind the Scenes at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Zoo Day

One of the conference highlights was Zoo Day, a private event allowing attendees exclusive access to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Holly was able to access back-of-house areas, speak with zoo staff about their facilities and animal management expertise, and tour through their 127 acres of habitats and gardens. This hands-on experience added practical insights into how DVA can enhance habitat design, animal care, and visitor engagement in our ongoing projects.


Celebrating Our Partners

The conference also recognized outstanding achievements in earned media excellence, with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo winning an award for their Fox 8 special, "Behind the Scenes." This feature provided the public with a rare glimpse into the zoo’s daily efforts in animal care and conservation.


Looking Ahead: Cleveland to Host AZA 2027

DVA Architecture is thrilled to see Cleveland Metroparks Zoo selected as the host for the AZA Annual Conference in 2027!



Holly’s time at the AZA Conference affirmed DVA’s commitment to designing zoo environments that prioritize animal welfare, safety, and immersive visitor experiences. We look forward to incorporating these ideas into our projects and continuing to shape innovative spaces that benefit both animals and their human caretakers!


October 31, 2024
Our Zoological Studio Director Shares Insights into the Future of Zoo Design from the 2024 Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conference
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