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Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL, United States
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Other Projects by EHDD
Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL, United States
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2004
SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft
BUDGET
Unknown
An immersive journey through the North American woods—bringing children face-to-face with native wildlife in the heart of Chicago.
Located on a two-acre site within Lincoln Park Zoo, the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo offers a multi-sensory exploration of the upper Midwest’s native woodlands. The design immerses visitors—especially young ones—in the storybook adventure of a child’s walk through the forest, culminating in a masonry observation pavilion that provides views into animal habitats.
The exhibit showcases animals such as black bears, wolves, beavers, otters, and turtles, inviting a close-up encounter with the creatures that inhabit North American woods. Trees and dense landscaping shield the zoo from city noise, enhancing the sense of immersion. Interpretation of native flora and fauna is woven throughout the experience, grounding conservation messages in relatable, tactile ways.
EHDD's design balances the wonder of discovery with a focus on sustainability. The exhibit features a green roof planted with wildflowers to eliminate stormwater runoff and a vine-shaded glass curtain wall that filters western sun exposure while encouraging cross-ventilation. These sustainable strategies support animal health, energy efficiency, and long-term environmental education goals.
Certified LEED Silver, the Children’s Zoo is a model for how urban environments can reconnect young visitors to the natural world—combining ecological storytelling, sensory play, and thoughtful environmental design within an iconic city zoo.
Located on a two-acre site within Lincoln Park Zoo, the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo offers a multi-sensory exploration of the upper Midwest’s native woodlands. The design immerses visitors—especially young ones—in the storybook adventure of a child’s walk through the forest, culminating in a masonry observation pavilion that provides views into animal habitats.
The exhibit showcases animals such as black bears, wolves, beavers, otters, and turtles, inviting a close-up encounter with the creatures that inhabit North American woods. Trees and dense landscaping shield the zoo from city noise, enhancing the sense of immersion. Interpretation of native flora and fauna is woven throughout the experience, grounding conservation messages in relatable, tactile ways.
EHDD's design balances the wonder of discovery with a focus on sustainability. The exhibit features a green roof planted with wildflowers to eliminate stormwater runoff and a vine-shaded glass curtain wall that filters western sun exposure while encouraging cross-ventilation. These sustainable strategies support animal health, energy efficiency, and long-term environmental education goals.
Certified LEED Silver, the Children’s Zoo is a model for how urban environments can reconnect young visitors to the natural world—combining ecological storytelling, sensory play, and thoughtful environmental design within an iconic city zoo.
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