The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have officially opened the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning at Sydney’s world-famous Taronga Zoo. The first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Institute is a living laboratory for conservation education and scientific investigation, built to empower the scientists of tomorrow.
Designed by Sydney based practice, NBRSARCHITECTURE, the central concept was based around bringing together three major hubs: Learning, Science, and Visitor Experience. These functions seamlessly connect through branching arms intersecting in a central light-filled atrium.
The Scientific Hub provides a unique, on-site facility to showcase and benefit from the zoo’s unique data and specimens, with state of the art research facilities in the hub, allowing Taronga’s scientists to explore new ways to protect endangered species.
The Learning Hub houses tutorial learning environments that allow students from all backgrounds and levels of study to interact with the zoo. The space will support over 150,000 visits per year and will elevate the depth of educational engagement. Three carefully crafted immersive learning environments themed around rainforest, arid and woodland habitats provide authentic learning experiences for students and transform education at the Zoo.
The collaborative Visitor Hub is a unique space that allows a true connection between visitors and the Institute. The hub has been specifically designed for experiences to create a closer bond between students, scientists and the 300 staff. An aspirational environment, the space will provide more students and visitors with a remarkable opportunity to view science and discover it first hand.
Andrew Duffin, Director of Design at NBRS said the team is proud of the design and is delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase this pioneering facility.
“From the outset, we worked closely with the Taronga Conservation Society to create a benchmark facility which would evoke its core purposes of conservation. From the big ideas of branching arms centred on a light-filled atrium, down to the detail of the cell-like façade, the result is a beautifully crafted experiential environment,” Mr Duffin commented.
More information on the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning can be found here.