What could zoos be: the ultimate planning workshop
Does anyone agree with me that the planning ( both for exhibits and for an overall organisation) within zoos could benefit from greater or at least ‘wider’ creativity…?
For some years now I have nurtured the idea of a workshop around either a given zoo project or site, or perhaps even the future of zoos as a whole that would really stretch matters. This would include first class brains from pursuits far beyond the zoo world.
This might extend to economists, artists, architects ( not so radical that one), theatrical set designers, TV programme producers, science fiction writers, interior designers, sociologists, educationalists, psychologists, landscape designers and so on.
All people used to fashioning exciting ideas in parallel worlds, but who do not have zoo world cliches deeply imprinted on their brains, and who do not already know “that it cannot be done”.
Professionally facilitated, what might be the result? Some ground breaking fresh approaches to the presentation of wildlife and the conservation message that both impact more successfully on our audience and doubtless open us to fresh forms of funding? Or an embarassing mess and pointless waste of time, energy and expectation?
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In my evolution class, I sometimes ask my students to design exhibits for the local zoo. Naturally, the theme is evolutionary (which the zoo doesn’t want to mention because it is “controversial” here), but I think a more general “Design an exhibit” competition would be a great way for zoos to advertise to local schools, and a way for zoos to parasitize the creativity of those outside the zoo fences. At the very least, it might cultivate a few exhibits that don’t rehash the tired conservation mantra (but don’t get me started).