Zoo Education Department And Visitor Shelter At Dudley Zoo

The Zoo Education Department and Visitor Shelter at Dudley Zoo is a building designed in the 20th century. It has a serpentine shape on plan, with a rectangular block at the rear, and is constructed from reinforced concrete.

The building is situated at the top of a steep slope, resulting in a single-storey appearance from the main (east) elevation and two storeys at the rear. The front elevation features a continuous series of curves, alternating between convex and concave shapes. A low wall, originally part of the parapet used in larger buildings designed by Tecton for the site, has been converted for use here. This wall once had its coping raised on elliptical-section steel struts, providing a surface for adults to lean on and allowing children to see the animals without being lifted.

Above this low wall, the previously open elevation is now fully glazed. The ends feature small-paned mullioned and transomed timber windows, while the central section has metal-framed mullioned windows with some small opening panes. The main entrance is a recessed double-doorway, with two additional entrances spaced along the range, reflecting the original openings into the building. The rear elevation consists of two storeys, with the basement slightly recessed and the upper floor supported by columns. Both storeys have small-paned mullioned and transomed windows set in strongly horizontal openings.

Inside, the construction is highlighted by 9-inch diameter columns that support a flat roof slab, which is flush with the underside of the beams, creating a fully-flush ceiling between the columns.