London Zoo on lookout for graphic designers

London Zoo is on the hunt for graphics consultancies to design audio-visual aspects and signage for two new projects.

Part of a ú21m revamp, the aquarium’s ú6m redesign by architect Marden & Knight and the zoo’s projects department will require graphics for a 2.2m high, 4m-diameter acrylic cylindrical fish tank marking the entrance.

The tank’s lighting will resemble the “shaft of light” used to transport Captain Kirk and colleagues on Star Trek’s Starship Enterprise, according to the zoo’s projects manager Barry Edwards.

Graphics on the exterior of the tank will contribute to making the feature “a spectacular visual experience”, adds Edwards.

The existing aquarium building will be redesigned to accommodate “entertainment for children, people seriously interested in fish and conservation specialists”, according to Marden & Knight architect Michael Phillips.

The ú5.4m World of Invertebrates is a redesign by Wharmby Kosdon Architects of the derelict parrot house. “It’ll have everything from jellyfish to spiders,” says partner Philip Wharmby. “We want it to be a reflective place, more like a gallery than a theme- park.” It will include a tunnel linked to a tropical flight area, and is “a marvellous opportunity for ingenious graphics”, says Edwards.

Edwards confirms that Event Communications, which designed The Children’s Zoo graphics (DW 29 July 1994), will be among those asked to pitch for the new projects. “I’d like to use several graphics people. We can’t comment about the timescale, but the next stage is heavy fundraising,” he says.