Antwerp Zoo, opened in 1843, is the oldest animal park in Belgium. It is run by the KMDA (Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp) and its main aim is to promote zoological and botanical sciences. At the request of the KMDA, and in cooperation with ELD and the landscape architects from Fondu, Studio Farris Architects was responsible for the design of the zoo’s new restaurant, aviary and apes and buffalo shelter. The restaurant, with 350 seats indoors and 400 outside, is located between the home of the great apes to the north, and the buffalos’ habitat and aviary to the south. By expanding the existing animal shelters on both sides, the project aims to establish a close relationship between visitors and animals and between the city and wildlife.
