Australia-Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Australia project includes two attractions: Australian Shores and the Lorikeets Experience.

Australian Shores

This exhibit features a new cave entrance adorned with murals, welcome statues, landscaping, and storytelling through audio and video. It is an open aviary showcasing little blue penguins and flying seabirds, set in the “Saltwater Country” section of the experience. The area includes themed rockwork, vegetation, a new overwater bridge, and an underwater viewing area.

Lorikeets Experience

The Lorikeets and Kookaburra exhibit is an immersive walkthrough where visitors can feed the birds in their forest habitat, located in the “Freshwater Country” section of the experience. This attraction includes themed pathways, rockwork, and vegetation to enhance the environment.

Master Plan Concept

Working alongside various consultants, our team developed a master plan featuring six exhibits across 2.6 acres. This immersive journey showcases the diverse aspects of Australian Country, including its culture, people, plants, animals, waterways, and astronomy.

The plan incorporates a conceptual overlay of Australian “Country,” divided into Saltwater, Freshwater, and Dryland regions. Each area is defined by thematic colorization, storyline pathways, landscaping, and authentic replica artifacts, statues, and murals, creating a unique and engaging experience for visitors.  

Client: ABQ BioPark

Project design as Principal Architect at Studio Southwest Architects