Aspects of environmental quality in the zoos open spaces: a perception study in the FZB/RS Zoological Park

Abstract The functions of education and entertainment of the public, which are present in zoological gardens today, demand dynamic and pleasant environments that are able to allow individuals a holistic educational experience. If that experience is to be educational and memorable, it is essential to meet the public’s interests and offer it a quality space. There is, however, a lack of studies addressing the spatial quality of these institutions, based on evaluations involving the people who use the spaces. Based on the perception of its visitors, this study aims to investigate the physical-spatial aspects that influence the performance of the zoo’s open spaces. Inserted in the study area of Environment-Behaviour Relations and Evidence-Based Design, this study adopted a qualitative and quantitative methodological approach and conducted a case study in the Zoological Park of the FZB/RS, located in Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil. Visitor’s satisfaction is considered a measure of environmental performance. The study found that the main physical-spatial aspects that influence visitor satisfaction were the pleasantness, organisation and interest of the space, the facilities for visitors and the naturalness of the space.