Snow Kreilich Architects has been collaborating with the MN Zoo since 2016 to reimagine its existing monorail infrastructure as the basis for a new elevated pedestrian walkway and viewing platform that links the exhibits in the south with the undeveloped, forested environment of the Northern portion of zoo property. First contracted for a feasibility study, Snow Kreilich Architects collaborated with Meyer Borgman Johnson to investigate structural capacity of the existing infrastructure. In this phase, Snow Kreilich developed a conceptual framework for the project with maps, diagrams, and renderings of the newly imagined Tree Top Trail.
This documentation became the basis for a successful marketing and fundraising campaign. Soon to begin construction, Snow Kreilich has added Buro Happold, Ten x Ten Landscape Architects, Victus Engineering, Barr Engineering, MIG, and SIG to complete the design and documentation for the construction of this transformative trail. Not only an elevated walkway and overlook, the 1.25-mile-long trail incorporates four distinct “Access Points” which enhance the user experience, introduce the visitor to the Treetop Trail and overall mission of the Zoo, accessibly bring them to the trail elevation, and provide opportunities for respite, wayfinding, interpretation, and enhanced engagement of Zoo programming and exhibits.
Snow Kreilich Architects has been collaborating with the MN Zoo since 2016 to reimagine its existing monorail infrastructure as the basis for a new elevated pedestrian walkway and viewing platform that links the exhibits in the south with the undeveloped, forested environment of the Northern portion of zoo property. First contracted for a feasibility study, Snow Kreilich Architects collaborated with Meyer Borgman Johnson to investigate structural capacity of the existing infrastructure. In this phase, Snow Kreilich developed a conceptual framework for the project with maps, diagrams, and renderings of the newly imagined Tree Top Trail.
This documentation became the basis for a successful marketing and fundraising campaign. Soon to begin construction, Snow Kreilich has added Buro Happold, Ten x Ten Landscape Architects, Victus Engineering, Barr Engineering, MIG, and SIG to complete the design and documentation for the construction of this transformative trail. Not only an elevated walkway and overlook, the 1.25-mile-long trail incorporates four distinct “Access Points” which enhance the user experience, introduce the visitor to the Treetop Trail and overall mission of the Zoo, accessibly bring them to the trail elevation, and provide opportunities for respite, wayfinding, interpretation, and enhanced engagement of Zoo programming and exhibits.