Taronga Institute of Science and Learning

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is committed to creating new ways of using science and education to shape a shared future for wildlife and people. Through research, collaboration and immersive learning, their goal is to lead the way in conservation globally. NBRS ARCHITECTURE collaborated with Taronga to create a world-class facility built in the grounds of the world-famous Zoo. Through a branching arm concept, the design weaves together Education, Science, and Visitor Experience hubs. Each hub not only connecting to one and other but connecting to the wider zoo. The Institute’s design grew out of contextual research. The naturally finished, grounded form sits comfortably within the sandstone outcrops and Sydney vegetation. The materiality flowing from outside to inside reflects the contextual tones and defines natural rhythms of cells and animal skins, expressed in aluminium perforated sun control screens. Over three levels, the design centres around a vibrant atrium that links the building’s functions and allows scientists, animals carers, educationalists and the public to interact. In this way, the Institute becomes a living laboratory, built to empower the scientists of tomorrow. The Science Hub allows Taronga to maintain scientific excellence and to explore ways to protect endangered species around the globe. It is a unique on-site facility to showcase and benefit from the Zoo’s unique data and specimens. Specialist laboratories and digital teaching labs provide opportunities to broaden partnerships with leading universities such as the University of Sydney. These labs are glass fronted to place science on display. The design houses tutorial learning environments allowing students from all backgrounds and levels of study to interact with the Zoo. From early learning through to tertiary students, the Learning Hub is a space that will support over 150,000 visits per year and will elevate the depth of educational engagement. By co-locating teaching facilities and research laboratories in the same facility, tangible links between theory and practice are created. The aim being to inspire future generations to contribute to conservation. Supporting STEM learning, three unique immersive learning environments have been designed to provide interaction with nature first hand. The learning spaces are themed around three iconic habitats – desert, rainforest and woodland environments. Children are able to enter the habitat of Finches and Lizards in the Desert environment; come face to face with Primates as they explore the dense foliage within the Rainforest environment; and be introduced to small Macropods and circling Birds in the Woodlands environment. Animals move freely around the space allowing children to experience their natural behaviours. Whilst each immersive learning environment is currently themed around a specific habitat, the Zoo can tailor teaching to align with specific Australian curriculum priority areas. These living learning environments reinforce conservation messaging and have an underlying focus on connecting students with wildlife and the environment. The collaborative Visitor Hub is a unique space allowing a true connection between visitors and the Institute. It is designed for experiences that create a closer bond between students, scientists and 300 staff. The 3-storey space is naturally ventilated, naturally lit and naturally finished with honest materiality. An inspirational environment, the space provides a remarkable opportunity to view science and discovery first hand. The goal of Taronga Zoo is to promote conservation. Appropriately the design has delivered an environmentally sensitive solution with a 6-star green star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Taronga is the first zoo in Australia to gain this rating which has helped the Zoo achieve carbon neutral status six years ahead of schedule. Sustainability features include solar power, appropriate waste management, water re-use and best practice in environmental building design. The Institute was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in October 2018.