Universidad
Autonoma de Yucatan-Primate
Research Center
-Convergence
of Science and Nature-
final
scheme
site
sketching
cage
sketch
hacienda
analysis
cage
detail
Project
is located on a hacienda 30 miles outside Merida, Mexico.The program for the
project included scientist living quarters, labs, observation areas, cages and
medical facilities for primates. The site is a densely vegetated area, consisting
of large trees. The most important aspect of the design is the cages. They are
designed to be adaptable to the amount of enclosure necessary. Extending out
into the canopy, they detach themselves from the larger structure. They attract
the monkeys into their private enclosures, and without knowing it ,actually
into the scientists observation areas where their interactions can be studied
without interference. The cages can also be completely closed in such medical
cases where the monkeys need to be cared for until recuperated enough to be
set free. The whole structure is designed with a minimal footprint, elevated
on pilotis within a new pond intended to attract the monkeys towards the scientists
while creating a pseudo-natural barrier.
