Brown Bear Ravine At Dudley Zoo (Including All Associated Structures)

PLAN: A semi-circular viewing platform curving against the contour of the hillside against which the enclosure is set, with a terrace at lower level projecting into the ravine; towards the east, below a lower terrace, there is a sinuously-curving perimeter to the enclosure, clasping a pool. There are various irregular platforms for the animals projecting from the sloping ground at the western side of the enclosure.

MATERIALS: Reinforced concrete.

EXTERIOR: The enclosure drops steeply from west to east, with the highest level viewing terrace set against the hillside, and projecting towards the west. The largest element of the design is a semi-circular terrace, 10 feet wide, reached by a stair from the rear, supported at 20-foot intervals on centrally-placed columns with mushroom capitals. At a slightly lower level, a boldly-cantilevered terrace projects out over the ravine from the centre of the semi-circle like the prow of a ship. The terraces have complex variations in their levels and circulation. The zoo's standard parapet and railing - a low wall with its coping raised on elliptical-section steel struts, giving adults a raised surface on which to lean, and allowing children to view the animals without being lifted up - is here used to either side of the terraces. The animal houses, with simple rectangular openings, are tucked under the terraces, against the hillside. The north-eastern corner of the enclosure is at ground level, and has a sinuously-curving wall describing its edge, surrounding a pool. There are various platforms projecting from the hillside at the western side of the enclosure, together with pools, steps and ramps, surrounding the deep ravine towards the eastern side.