This is the first ever manual to system­atically delve into the zoo as an archi­tectural typology. The author, Natascha Meuser, examines five generations of zoological structures in order to show that the architecture of zoos has always incorporated social values, fostering the coexistence of humans and animals, ever since the opening of the first scientifi­cally run zoo. The manual presents doc­umentation of 30 historical, pioneering zoo buildings that set new standards with regard to both function and aes­thetics. Moreover, it offers an in-­depth analysis of 50 international zoos that have been built over the last 20 years. It includes to­-scale floor plans, elevations, and sections, as well as large photos that offer previously unseen insights. The author also presents ten design parameters that can serve as guidelines for the plan­ning of a zoological structure.

Natascha Meuser, architect and publisher in Berlin. Doctorate at the Technical University of Berlin. Professor at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Dessau. She has published numerous works on design methodology and the teaching of drawing for architects, as well as architectural and historical research on zoo­logy.