WORKPLACE design and management consultancy Space Solutions has transformed Edinburgh Zoo’s Penguins Café in a bid to enhance the customer experience.
Overlooking Penguins Rock, Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool, the Penguins Café was said to be challenged with a ‘tired and inefficient’ space. The SPACE design & build team undertook the design services and fit-out, collaborating with graphic designer Heather Cumming who handled the updated branding, from the new logo to menu boards and wall murals.
Following a review of the space and customer needs, SPACE revealed it retained many of the existing features and furniture to reduce waste, including reupholstering the existing banquette seating for reuse. To manage the high foot traffic, SPACE designed a two-colour flooring system, with blue areas designated for highlighted key customer touch points, such as servery counter and seating areas, while neutral beige trails encourage movement.
Cleanable, soft seating and coverings as well as acoustic rafts suspended from the ceiling were incorporated to improve the acoustics.
Isobel Jones, senior interior designer at SPACE, said, “We are thrilled to have worked with Edinburgh Zoo to refresh the popular Penguins Café. Our design has enabled the space to feel bigger and work more efficiently for both customers and staff. At the heart of the café remains an appreciation of the penguins, enabling visitors to retain the excitement of visiting Penguins Rock while improving their dining experience.”
Beccy Angus, head of discovery learning at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, added, “Overlooking Penguins Rock, Penguins Café is situated in the heart of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo. The café is an essential part of the customer experience and the refreshed design will ensure all of our visitors continue to have a memorable time at the zoo which helps inspire them to protect, value and love nature.”
