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The Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute recently completed a multi-year major revitalization of the historic Bird House at the National Zoological Park, reopened to the public in March 2023. The historic 1928 Bird House and its Great Flight Aviary are contributing elements of the National Zoological Park Historic District. Modifications to the building were designed to LEED Gold standards with special consideration for frit patterns on the building’s glass making it more visible to birds. More than 80% of the historic masonry was retained, and the John Joseph Earley concrete was conserved. Join this tour to learn about the design and construction details, landscape changes, and its Migratory Bird Center exhibit.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the Earley Studio’s polychromatic concrete techniques and conservation treatments applied through this project.
• Evaluate updated animal exhibits in a modernized historic structure.
• Analyze sustainability measures, including the use of bird-friendly glazing and design, both exhibit-based and throughout the Bird House renovation.
• Evaluate the design of the new addition on the historic Bird House and its presence in the landscape.

Presented by:

Katie Slattery, AIA, LEED AP

Principal, Quinn Evans Architects

Matt Sellers, ASLA

Landscape Architect, Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute

Organized by:

AIA|DC Public Architects Committee

AIA|DC Advocacy Committee