As a London architect, we take inspiration from the many unique locations in the capital, including the world famous London Zoo. This is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, and has an incredible history. It opened in 1828 specifically so scientists could study various animals, and became accessible to the general public in 1847. The zoo is also famous for having the first aquarium (built in 1852) and reptile house (created in 1926).

Over the years the site has changed several times, seeing different animals come and go and a variety of exhibitions. Several of the buildings in the zoo are listed and have been granted protected status. This means that the site is actually as much a celebration of architecture as it is animals.

One of the most famous listed structures in the zoo is the Lubetkin Penguin Pool. It has not been used to house penguins since 2004, after concerns were raised that the concrete floor was causing health problems, the pool was too shallow to dive and swim in, and there was no space for the penguins to nest. Penguin Beach opened in 2011 to provide much more suitable facilities for the animals. However, the original pool, with its unique shape and duo of curving slides, has Grade I listed status and is preserved for admirers of architecture to enjoy.

The Round House, dating from 1933, is another of London Zoo’s Grade I listed buildings. It was originally designed for housing gorillas but would also become home to an elephant, chimps, koalas and lemurs. It is celebrated as a great example of modernist architecture.

Several buildings in the zoo were designed by famous architect Decimus Burton, the man responsible for designing Palm House in Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens, amongst many other works. The Giraffe House, Clock Tower and Raven’s Cage are all his designs, and enjoy Grade II listed status. The first of these properties is the most celebrated, being the oldest building on the site still occupied by the species it was intended for. It was built in 1836, and the exterior is unchanged today.

Snowdon Aviary is another notable Grade II structure in the zoo, and is still home to many birds. It was designed by Lord Snowdon in 1962, and was the first aviary in the world that visitors could actually walk through. Whether you like animals, architecture or both, London Zoo has a wide array of fantastic things to see.