Zoos are not just places of public “recreation.” They also serve as centers for conservation, education, and environmental awareness. To fulfill these core missions, they must continuously evolve—not only mentally, but especially technologically. Zoos need to modernize outdated exhibits and implement strategic development of their premises as a whole. This includes addressing energy efficiency, utilizing alternative sources of heat, and managing water use effectively. Altogether, these efforts should reflect the zoo’s mission, its role in environmental education, the welfare of the animals, and current trends in zoo design.

With this in mind, the idea arose to involve architecture students in the conceptual planning for the Brno Zoo. A partnership between the Institute of Architecture at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, and Brno Zoo has led to the creation of numerous student projects that aim to suggest ways to develop, modernize, and improve the zoo’s exhibit spaces. This collaboration is highly beneficial for both parties: the zoo receives fresh and innovative ideas from the younger generation—ideas that conventional design studios might never consider—and students gain valuable experience working on assignments for a real client, simulating real-world professional practice.

The polar bear remains the zoo’s flagship species for the coming years and will receive increased attention. It also provides a strong platform for raising awareness about species extinction, climate change, and nature conservation in general. Brno Zoo aims to build on its successful polar bear breeding program and continue to be part of the global conservation initiative for these endangered species.

The exhibition features, among other things, student projects and models for a brand-new polar bear exhibit, designed during the 2023/2024 academic year by students of our institute. So far, the exhibition has attracted over a thousand visitors interested in architecture, polar bear, and the development of Brno Zoo.

The exhibition runs from February 20 to March 28, 2025, at the Urban Center, Mečová 5, Brno. It is open to the public free of charge on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.