New entrance lighting was unveiled in September 2021. Using a colorkinetics graze light spanning the width of the roof, the underside of the S-shaped roof is highlighted, emphasising the rhythm of the roof shape. The lighting also highlighted the original colour scheme of the Tecton structure which was restored in 2014. After the refurbishment of the four Tectons structures (a HLF funded project) 2016 saw the restoration of two more of the 1930’s listed structures. Following on from the successful project that restored the Station Cafe, Entrance, Bear Ravine and adjacent Kiosk, the Sea Lion Pool and Reptiliary were in need of attention. The construction supervisor, Carlo Diponio, who had overseen the works on the Bear Ravine and Kiosk, turned his skills to the two structures. Unlike the Bear Ravine both structures are still used to house animals. The Reptiliary no longer contained reptiles but was now home to a family of meerkats. The Sea Lion pool had been home to more than just Sea Lions over the years, housing dolphins and more famously Cuddles the Killer Whale. It has now gone full circle and is the only Tecton structure to house the animals for which it was originally designed. Designed and constructed in a little over 18 months between 1935 and 1937, the new zoo represented a radical shift from the local vernacular. The structures were also a departure from conventional zoo design philosophy of the time, Lubetkin’s philosophy being not one of passive inspection but one of theatre, exploring the relationship between performer and audience. Over the years the buildings had become dilapidated and in most cases dramatically altered from their original design. The Penguin Pool was demolished in 1979 due to severe deterioration from the salt water used. All 12 remaining buildings are listed, with seven being Grade II and five being Grade II*. In 2020 we began working with a professional team on behalf of DZG on the regeneration of four more Tecton structures. The second phase sought to repair and upgrade the Discovery Centre (formerly the Moat Cafe), the Elephant House, Queen Mary (formerly the Castle Restaurant) and the Tropical Bird House (formerly the Parrot House). “They

are simply wonderful structures; I love them. When you consider that Dudley Zoo’s Tectons were constructed in the 1930s... they are so imaginative, with their deep curves and sweeping shapes, they are beautiful, and what an incredible project to restore them to their original state.” Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries (2010 - 2016) Paint analysis with Crick-Smith. A cross section of samples were taken to understand the original colours used across the scheme. Dudley Zoo houses the largest single collection of Tecton structures in existence today. Designed and built in 1937, the modernist concrete structures received World Monument Fund Status in 2009. We started working to restore these ageing buildings in 2014 and reanimate the original design intent to secure their future use. With help from Heritage Lottery Funding, four of these structures were initially repaired: the Station Cafe, Entrance, Bear Ravine and one of the two Kiosks. Originally, 13 buildings were designed by Bethold Lubetkin and his Tecton practice who were recommended to the then Earl of Dudley by London Zoo following the successful Penguin Pool at Regent’s Park. Located within the site of Dudley’s medieval castle, the Zoo exists within an extreme topography. The 13 buildings, that make dramatic use of this hillside landscape were scattered throughout the grounds and sought to display and house animals, as well as cater for the visiting crowds.