Buffalo Zoo Front Entry Site Improvements

Foit-Albert Associates was contracted by the City of Buffalo, Department of Public Works to provide design alternatives to replace the existing pervious concrete pavement they had at their entry plaza.

Project Details: Foit-Albert’s Landscape Architecture team assessed options for permeable pavement products to replace the existing plaza pavement with a more effective, safe, maintainable, and aesthetically pleasing solution. The final design utilized a combination of pervious pavers and standard concrete to create a unique design solution that still offers light-duty traffic capabilities, feasible maintenance requirements, and a long-life span for the client’s investment.

Challenge/Solution: The project posed some challenges both in design and construction. The client needed a surface that was both permeable and able to handle light duty traffic. Foit-Albert worked with paver product representatives to identify which product lines could achieve this and still be close to the conceptual design aesthetic they preferred. A larger-format paver and structural geo-grid added below the surface helped achieve this functionality for the client. The construction schedule was very aggressive due to having a late season start. FAA implemented a phasing plan that ensured the new work could be completed in appropriate weather conditions, while also always maintaining access for zoo visitors during the course of construction.

*photo depicts current construction conditions