The Impact of a Modern, Naturalistic Exhibit Design on Visitor Behavior: A Cross-Facility Comparison

ABSTRACT

This study explored how the physical context of a species enclosure might affect visitor exploration of the exhibit space. Tracking and timing studies were conducted in 2 different designs of an exhibition space focused on African apes to determine if the new, more naturally designed exhibit was explored in a manner different from the former, more traditionally designed space. Observations of 825 individuals demonstrated that visitors spent 59% more time within the more naturalistic setting and moved more slowly through the space compared with the more traditional structure. In addition, significantly fewer visitors engaged in inappropriate glass tapping within the new space. The naturalistic design seemed to affect certain groups more than others, as females tended to have longer visit durations and adults tended to observe the resident apes more than children. This research highlights the importance of physical context to the overall learning experience of visitors to zoos and assists in understanding the links between sensory experiences and science content.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to thank Lincoln Park Zoo's Research Committee for supporting both studies.

Notes

1. We did not calculate percentage of diligent visitors (%DV), the percentage that stopped at half or more exhibit elements, as suggested by Serrell (1998), due to the limited focus of the exhibition space and limited number of components.