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PROJECT:
Manatee Encounter, Lowry Park Zoo - Tampa , Florida

CLIENT:
PCL Construction / City of Tampa

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM OF RECORD:
Rowe Architects, Incorporated

WAI PROJECT TEAM:
Larry Wilder, AIA Principal in Charge
John Thompson, AIA Project Manager

PROJECT SUMMARY:
The Manatee Encounter project consists of two additions to Lowry Park 's Manatee Hospital and Manatee Pool Exhibit.

The first phase involved the design of a wooden platform that overlooks two existing manatee pools at the Zoo's Manatee Hospital . From this viewing area, a picket fenced walkway leads visitors to a 650-square-foot auditorium and a stage, the project's second phase. These sections face a large existing manatee pool and serve as a gathering space for visitors during educational shows.

A series of connected boardwalks allow visitors to choose their path, first to the exhibit and then to the hospital, or vice versa. Uneven pickets and the wood's selected texture add to the rustic Florida essence of this facility.

This project was completed by Principals of WilderArchitecture serving in a Design Build relationship with PCL Construction while Principals at Rowe Architects.