South Pond Pavilion

At Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo stands the South Pond Pavilion by Chicago-based Studio Gang Architects. From a concrete-edged nineteenth century urban pond fed by tap water, the boardwalk and two pavilions create an exhibit about pond life and natural habitat.

A new boardwalk circumscribes the pond as it passes through different educational "zones" that describe flora, fauna, and the importance of natural habitat. The two pavilions that are integrated into the boardwalk are inspired by the tortoise's shell and consist of a series of prefabricated pods that interconnect to create the surfaces' spherical curves. They also provide shelter for on site open-air classrooms. Other site improvements include landscaping, accessible pathways, and pond rehabilitation.