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Steve Dangermond, a principal of , said his firm had two goals for its part of a redesign of the Oregon Zoo‘s 鈥淎frica Rain Forest鈥� exhibit: improve its aesthetics and make it livable for flamingos.

As it turned out, one task was a little more difficult than the other.

鈥淭he flamingos have a number of unique requirements; they’re very fragile and, evidently, not very smart,鈥� Dangermond said.

Dangermond Keane Architecture, which specializes in developing aquariums and complex water-holding facilities, had to design an enclosure that not only made the birds feel at home, but also safe 鈥� from outside elements, as well as themselves.

Certain plants had to be removed to reduce the risk of the birds choking or becoming tangled. The mesh surrounding the pen had to be tailored carefully for similar reasons.

The entire 4,500-square-foot exterior exhibit area was made flat because, according to Dangermond, 鈥渢hey don’t like slopes.鈥� The African flamingo’s most characteristic habitats, he said, are shallow lakes and level planes; the stick-thin legged birds are not accustomed to uneven terrain.

Dangermond Keane Architecture also improved the appearance of the exhibit, replacing the existing lagoon-like pool with a more efficient 鈥渮ero-edge鈥� pool. A large wooded area and a new waterfall will border a lawn terrace on the edge of the pool.

Beyond the exterior of the exhibit is a 4,100-square-foot holding area, where the birds can sleep and be handled by zoo staffers. A mud area was designed as well.

鈥淲e added a nesting area with a raised curb, where they will breed within the exhibit,鈥� Dangermond said.

The design is part of a larger effort by the zoo to improve existing animal exhibits, construct new ones and make the park more sustainable. However, it was not paid for with money from a $125 million bond measure passed by voters in 2008.

Christopher Keane, a principal of the firm, is involved with the project, as is .

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms’ best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please email [email protected] or call 503-802-7240.