“This place is a real zoo.” Partners by Design (Marina del Rey, Calif.), creator of the Audubon Marketplace in New Orleans'Audubon Zoo, would take that sentiment as the ultimate compliment.
“We wanted the gift shop to re-create the experience of visiting the zoo's exhibits,” says designer Jim Snyder.
For example, a Louisiana swamp exhibit featuring white alligators is recalled in the gift shop by two giant white alligator sculptures that frame the plush display racks. Similarly, sculptures of Komodo dragons climb the columns flanking the shop's main entrance.
The 4500-square-foot space also features fixtures topped by laser-cut animal silhouettes, merchandise cabinets clad in zebra-striped laminate, a perimeter wall with bamboo trim and a stone laminate façade along its top, and hanging foliage.
The shop's crown moldings and columns mimic the architecture of the historic Garden District neighborhood surrounding the zoo.
Client Team: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans – Steven Dorand, vp, design and cabinetry; Lynne Barnett, purchasing manager; Debbie Kass, store manager
Design Team: Partners by Design, Marina del Rey, Calif. – Jim Snyder, designer; Denise Brenneman, planner/ designer
Outside Consultants: TSL Design Group, Los Angeles (design); Store Works, Woodland Hills, Calif. (merchandise)
Suppliers: Design Fabricators, Lafayette, Colo., Academy Studios, Novato, Calif., Nature Maker, Carlsbad, Calif., Mimco Products, Anaheim, Calif. (fixtures)
Briskey Photography, La Grange, Ill.