Birds of the World – Houston Zoo

Every migration season, Houston becomes a passageway for countless birds journeying across the globe. As part of a major international flyway, nearly a billion birds pass through the city’s skies at night. The Houston Zoo encourages visitors to learn ways to help migratory birds stay safe in their journey through our city, such as keeping lights off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during migratory seasons. This project emphasized the intersection of conservation, urban planning, and public engagement, showcasing how small, collective actions can create meaningful change for wildlife protection.

CORE led the branding, design, fabrication, and installation of all signage and interpretive elements for the exhibit. In my role as a designer, I introduced the concept of using feathers as the central visual motif. This approach provided a unifying design language that celebrated the diversity of bird species without singling one out. By highlighting the rich variety of feather colors and patterns, the design conveyed both vibrancy and inclusivity, creating a cohesive yet dynamic visual identity for the exhibit. The typography’s sharper edges and curves serve as a juxtaposition to the soft iridescence of the feathers, reflecting the strength of talons and beaks, offering a more complete view of avian anatomy.

CLIENT
Houston Zoo

COMPANY
CORE Design Studio

ROLE
Branding, Concept Development, Design, Installation, Production, Project Management, Research,Technical

INDUSTRY
Zoos and Exhibits

PHOTOGRAPHY
CORE Design Studio, Alwyn Brownewell