The Buildings of London Zoo

£12.95

ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF ENGLAND.

This book contains a comprehensive account of London Zoo’s architectural components and discusses the philosophical and practical considerations that informed their design.
The author demonstrates that the best buildings often resulted from a collaboration between the leading zoologists and architects of the day, tackling together the sometimes contradictory demands of animal welfare and the public’s desire for entertainment.

The book discusses in detail the evolution of such well-known structures as Lubetkin’s Penguin Pool and the wittily zoomorphic Elephant and Rhino Pavilion. It also shows that increased emphasis on naturalism and habitat re-creation, combined with the pioneering use of new materials, led to the skeletal elegance of the Snowdon Aviary and high-tech steel caging of the free-flight African Aviary. Altogether, the book demonstrates that, in the continuing debate over the Zoo’s future, the range and quality of its architecture cannot be ignored.

Published by the Royal Commissions on the Historical Monuments of England.

First published in 1993

Approximant Dimensions: 19 x 24.5cm

Paperback