Smithsonian National Zoological Park New Asia Trail Exhibit
Washington, DC
| Client | Chatelain Architects, P.C. |
| Owner | Smithsonian National Zoological Park |
| Size | One Quarter Mile |
| Completion Year | 2006 |
McMullan & Associates provided structural engineering services for the Master Plan, and Schematic Design through Construction Documents and Construction Administration for the reorganization and revitalization of the New Asia Trail Exhibit, stretching over a quarter mile in length, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. The Asia Trail links the habitats of seven endangered Asian species including sloth bears, cranes, fishing cats, giant salamanders, Asian elephants, red pandas, and giant pandas.
This project provided structural design documents to procure construction. Work included mechanical upgrades and the development of construction documents for the “China Loop,” which includes the Conservation Plaza, the Bird House Bridge, the Panda House Renovations and Addition, the Bamboo Storage Shed, the Panda Café, and the Giant Salamander and Red Panda exhibits.
Bridges included:
• Trestle Bridge – 5 spans at 22 feet each for a total of 110 feet. Concrete beam trestle bridge framed with concrete beams and slabs on concrete columns.
• Bridge to the Bird House – 2 spans of 71 feet and 97 feet, respectively, for a total of 168 feet. A steel truss bridge with wood decking supported on concrete piers.
• Entry Bridge – Heavy timber wood framing, 3 spans at 12 feet, total of 36 feet in length.
Construction Cost $41,500,000.
Awards:- 2007 Award of Honor for Design from the American Society of Landscape Architects Virginia Chapter
- 2006 Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design from AIA Washington DC Chapter