RIZVI COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, MUMBAI

DESIGN THESIS PROPOSAL

Name of the Student: Shaikh Ayesha
Roll No.: 1806 Year: 5th year (Sem.-08)
Mobile: +91-99205113567 Email: ayeshashaikh0508@gmail.com
Thesis Title Proposed: The Mumbai Zoo
Location: Goregaon, Mumbai
Name of the Thesis Guide proposed (Option 1) Arch. Meera Deobhakta
Name of the Thesis Guide proposed (Option 2) Arch. Himanshu Upadhaya
Name of the Thesis Guide proposed (Option 3) Arch. Sameer Baghdadi
Brief Narration on the Need of the Project:
Mumbai has a global recognition for its financial, economic, cultural and entertainment sectors.
With constant efforts of the nation to make this city as a world class city, it has been coming up
with outstanding infrastructure and service for the country. What this city lacks is green tourism
and beautiful wildlife to boast of. The VJB Udyan at Byculla and SGNP at Borivali do not suffice
the required need, moreover, their standards are deteriorating into irreplaceable condition. The
VJB Udyan was initially a botanical garden transformed into a zoo with time. The area does not
support the basic requirement to the animal care, due to which the living condition of animals is
affected resulting in more disease and death rate. Apart from compromising species number, these
animals are held in closed cages that do not provide natural habitable environment, distressing
their behaviour and living conditions. The SGNP is a vast area of the only wildlife we find in the
Mumbai region. The national park provides lion and tiger safaris and bird and reptile watching
programmes. However, these efforts are not adequate to re-stable the natural wildlife present
here. The government has already allotted a 190 acres land to develop an internationally
recognized zoo, which was an Aarey Milk property, recently transferred to the Maharashtra Forest
Department. This thesis aims to meet this need, by relocating the VJB Udyan to the allotted zoo
land, thus providing a larger area for enclosure and other zoo related activities. The VJB Udyan
could be reinstated to the initial botanical garden with other varied spaces for exhibition, socioactivities, theme restaurant and other beneficial activities. The new Mumbai zoo could be
developed with better animal exhibits and enclosures. A conservation and education unit could be
provided for animal studies and research and for educating the visitors about wildlife
conservation. The zoo could hold activities that would invite different age groups of visitors, thus
generating income for proper management of zoo. The zoo would be located near SGNP, that is, in
a lesser urbanised area which would help as a cleaner and natural environment for animals. In
association with SGNP, the zoo could organise trial and safari and night trials for visitors to
encourage more activities for zoo benefits. The goals of this thesis states betterment and
encouragement for wildlife care, with joyous and satisfying experience to visitors.

1.

Define broad goals and list specific objectives of your thesis.

a. To complement and strengthen the national efforts of the rich bio diversity of the country,
particularly the fauna. To promote largely on the regional animals of the state as the
utmost objective.
b. To provide opportunities for scientific studies useful for conservation in general and to
create database for sharing between agencies involved in in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
c. To inspire amongst zoo visitors empathy for wild animals, an understanding and awareness
about the need for conservation of natural resources and for maintain the ecological
balance.
d. To set an exemplary world class zoo in order to advance the green tourism in the city.
e. To provide opportunities that would generate funds for proper management of zoo.

2.

ARCHITECTURAL AIMS

Translate your goals and objectives into a set of architectural aims / concepts.
a. To create an internationally designed zoo for global recognition of the efforts of our
nation in the field on animal welfare and conservation. To provide the highest standards
for animal care and welfare; visitor amenities and safety; science education; and wildlife
conservation and science.
b. To master plan the zoo in different zones, segregating varied activities for easy
functioning, and providing different exhibit zones as per their bio-geographic habitat,
largely emphasizing on the regional wildlife (SGNP birds for Aviary, and SGNP reptiles for
Reptile Centre).
c. To create exhibits and enclosure that reflects their native habitat so as to not disturb the
emotional and psychological condition of the animals inhabiting it.
d. To provide spaces for visual interaction and communication between humans and animals,
by creating space for human activities and involvement with animals for mutual benefit
and welfare.
e. To create interest amongst visitors by developing actual biogeographic zones even in the
viewing area, by means of levels, podiums, viewing galleries, bridges, walkways, etc.
f.

To use materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable for the collective mission of
safeguarding the environment as whole.

3. CRITICAL EVALUATION OF DESIGN CONCEPT PROPOSAL

3.1

HUMAN

Concern for individual

The design largely emphasizes on architecture for animal, such as providing a natural
habitat for the animal by means of water features, logs, creepers and developing spaces
for their activities. The design is to be kept open with fewer barriers, or with barrier of
natural materials to not affect the emotional behaviour of animals.
For visitors, the design concentrates on providing satisfying experience, that is,
unobstructed view of animals, with open viewing platforms, terraces, podium, etc.
Interesting walkways and levels within the aviary for exploration, Underground experience

for visitors in the reptile centre, and bio-geographic theme in other exhibits are part of
the design. Provision of theme restaurant, amphitheatre, library and other facilities for
visitor, and also provision for night stay for safari and night trials activities are includes in
the planning.
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Sense of Security
Security of both the animals and visitors from each other is the primary concern, the
design of the open exhibits are detailed after the understanding of the animal nature,
speed, behaviour, climbing and attacking tactics.
Visitors would move around enclosure thus enabling, sense of openness as well as security
to both.

Feel of the place

The concept develops on harmonising all aspect of nature, creating openness and sense of
belonging for all, be it humans, birds or animals. The use of natural materials reflects the
different bio-geographic zones and varied experience for visitors. Wholly, the zoo would
largely concentrate in all aspect for betterment of nature conservation.

Adequacy of space
The 190 acre space has been segregated into different parts such as; 1) Entrance Area, 2)
Administration Unit, 3)Conservation Unit, 4) Education and Entertainment Unit, 5)
Accommodation Unit, 6) Hospital and Food Preparation unit, 7) Enclosures.
The enclosures have been sub divided into; 1) Aviary, 2) Reptile Centre, 3) National
Animals exhibits, 4) Exotic- Savannah Region, 5) Exotic- Tropical Region.
Walkways, restaurants, gardens, children play area, and rest areas, etc. are also provided.

Privacy
The zoo is segregated from the heavy traffic and urban area, by SGNP and other green belt
in the area.

Nature
The nature of the design speaks of imbedding the nature and understanding the true
meaning of it, by merging all the aspect and elements of it into one. The concept tries to
focus largely on natural environment for both animals and visitors. It speaks of interaction
with oneself, with other beings (specifically animals) and with universe. The design
relates to the initial human and animal relationship.

Functionality
The main function of this structure is to provide adequate care and concern for animal
welfare and other related activities such as providing naturalist exhibits, conservation
building, animal healthcare building, animal- educating and awareness buildings, visitor
friendly architecture.

Functional linkage
Firstly, the location of the zoo is easily available to visitors from public as well as private
transport. The SGNP is connected to the zoo at the northern side, where the zoo safari and
night stay activity would be operative. The different parts and zones of the zoo are
connected by means of large walkways and ramps. The built structure would be segregated
from the exhibit area so as to not disrupt administrative activities or visitor experience.

Character
The design has varied volumes intertwining between the exhibits, or forming exhibits or
forming pathways. The subtraction in these volumes is viewing platforms for visitors.
Natural materials minimises the visual control of the large volumes.

3.2

SOCIAL / ECONOMICAL

Social interaction spaces

For human -animal interaction, barrier free viewing areas to be provided, detailed to
terraces and galleries, walk-in- aviary, underground exhibits, etc.
For animal awareness activities, amphitheatre, audio visual room, libraries, animal
feeding area, safaris, night stay, etc. to be designed.

Socio-economic costs
To generate funds for management of zoos various activities could be initiated such as; 1)
provision of pollution free vehicle, and toy trains within the zoo circulation areas, 2) gift
shops selling souvenirs with animal related gift, stationary, books, etc., 3) animal feeding
activities, 4) child- domestic animal playing activities, 5) night stay activities, 6) safaris
and nature trials, 7) animal shows, 8) holding school students camping and workshops etc.

Relationship of social environment

Encouraging conservation of wildlife (concentrating on regional fauna), amongst the
visitors and awareness to safeguard the existing wildlife.

Affordability
Affordability could be achieved with actions like using natural material and locally
available materials, and using passive methods for maintaining homeostasis within a
structure.

Social harmony
Maintaining a balanced equation of empathy between human and animals by implementing
involving activities amongst both.

Social image
To design, execute and implement the various idea and objectives for zoo planning, such
that, it receives global recognition and appreciation.

3.3

ENVIRONMENTAL

Climate responsive design

Use of passive cooling techniques within built structure.

Energy responsive design

Need guidance

Environmental friendly design

Use of brick, mud, and glass.

Landscape design
Need guidance

Sustainable design
Need guidance

Environmental services design

Need guidance

3.4

TECHNOLOGICAL

Traditional technology
Passive cooling systems within the build structure, shaded walkways by tree-canopies, rest
area shaded and cooled by tree canopy and water bodies. Use of traditional material at
large.

Choice of material, products & systems

Use of brick, mud, and glass.

Appropriate technology
Sustainable approach for designing (As discussed earlier)

Structure
Six built structure compromising of -1) Entrance Area, 2) Administration Unit, 3)
Conservation Unit, 4) Education and Entertainment Unit, 5) Accommodation Unit, 6)

Hospital and Food Preparation unit, and 7) Enclosures; connected by walkways and ramps,
with pockets of green like gardens, lawns and play area.
Provision of electrical, waste, water, storage and other system to be put up in the master
plan.
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Modern / Hi-technology
Use of geodesic dome technique for aviary is the only hi-technology used in the zoo.
Underground structure to be designed for reptile section.

Components / Elements
Platos geometry of elements, i.e., the elements of nature is abstracted in geometric form
and put to function as exhibits, viewing galleries, restaurants, etc.

3.5

PHILOSOPHICAL / AESTHETICAL

Innovative
Apart from master planning the zoo into regional, national and exotic areas, the zoo
reflects design with response to its bio-geographic zones. The volumes interpret the
elements of nature (Platos geometry of elements) into different exhibits and viewing and
activities area. Innovation of bird enclosure in terms of walk- in aviary, and reptile centre
to be designed as underground architecture.

Traditional / Vernacular / Neo classical / Modern / Post modern /

Constructive
/
De-constructive
Neo- Vernacular: Use of natural materials and techniques in a contemporary composition,
like bamboo, mud, bricks, etc.

Appropriate / Hi-tech
Use of geodesic dome technique for aviary is the only hi-technology used in the zoo.
Underground structure to be designed for reptile section.

THESIS PROPOSAL REVIEW

Approved / Modification required / Disapproved
Comments:

Thesis Guide

Co-ordinator

Principal