Temple of the Ancients – Animals of the Amazon Building, Johannesburg Zoo
The journey to designing the Animals of the Amazon Building at Johannesburg Zoo started in the most unexpected way—not with architectural plans, but with a small silver rhinoceros charm. Years ago, while I was working on the Phalaborwa Airport Terminal, I was entrusted by Jenny Gray, who was overseeing the project for Airlink, to repair this charm.
Time passed, and both the charm and our connection slipped from memory. Fast forward nearly a decade, and I found myself rediscovering that tiny rhino in an old box, just hours before receiving a surprising call from Jenny—now the CEO of Johannesburg Zoo.
This serendipitous moment led to one of the most memorable projects of my career:the Temple of the Ancients, an immersive building designed to house the Animals of the Amazon exhibit. The project became a testament to the unexpected ways in which our paths cross and re-cross, perhaps guided by a bit of magic. The structure itself is a tribute to the ancient, mystical, and vibrant life of the Amazon rainforest.
I designed it to seamlessly blend organic forms and sustainable materials, creating a space that honors the sacredness of the natural world and serves as a sanctuary for its inhabitants. This design captures not only the spirit of the Amazon but also reflects the enchanting and interconnected journey that brought this project to life. For those interested in exploring more about the design and its inspiration, you can read more about the project here.