Pittsburgh Zoo Water's Edge
Morning Side, Pittsburgh, PA
Status: Completed 2009
Building Type: Zoo Exhibit
Area: 25,000 SF
The Water’s Edge Exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium features Polar Bears, Pacific Sea Otters, and Walruses in a unique, integrated facility.
Designed to balance animal care, visitor interaction, and technical systems, the exhibit includes varied terrains, a fresh water waterfall, an air-conditioned "ice cave," and a stream bottom moat to keep the animals engaged and simulate their natural habitats.
Educationally focused, the exhibit offers 17 viewing opportunities through 15 acrylic windows and two underwater tunnels. Visitors can observe animals swimming overhead in a 30-foot Polar Bear tunnel and a 40-foot Walrus tunnel. Themed walkways and a recreated Alaskan pier village provide environmental education on coexistence with these species.
Water’s Edge is also environmentally conscious, being the zoo’s first project to seek LEED Silver Certification, featuring a roof topped with living plants as part of its green innovations.