The renovation was a response to the Audubon Nature Institute’s goal to enhance the care of its tropical birds that fly free within the confines of the aviary. Specifically, the renovations were driven by current research and best practices regarding bird husbandry trends. The existing 1980’s facility had been left dormant for over a decade. Manning’s job was to prepare it for the incoming tropical bird species.

Staying current with the latest bird husbandry practices was a moving target over the course of the project that was in development 4.5 years before the start of construction. Manning’s team worked closely with the zoo staff, and when those staff members moved on and new personnel came on board, the Manning team revised and redeveloped plans to accommodate their more recent thinking and research into best practices for the anticipated species.

In keeping with Audubon’s tenet to maintain natural habitats, the Manning team developed plans to retain the existing building, reusing it as much as possible to minimize the impact on the environment and the budget. Breeding and rearing rooms help keep the bird population sustainable too.

The overarching design challenge was to provide an outdoor, tropical habitat in an indoor space. Temperature and humidity controls create a tropical environment, and the new, translucent roof panels let in an abundance of natural light.