Zoo architecture

Foraging inside the sandy enclosure of the new Elephant House at Copenhagen Zoo, designed by Foster and Partners Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

Both glass domes are covered in what appear to be white leaves. These are, in fact, computer-generated patterns creating dappled shadows Photograph: Lina Anhoff/freelance

The landscaped paddock where the elephants can roll and play Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

The giant pool is put to the test Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

Elephants have occasionally been known to attack humans when unnerved. Elephant houses have to be designed with safety in mind Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

These red concrete poles ensure that the elephants can't quite reach the visitors, but allow keepers to slip through if they feel threatened Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

The new building is climate-controlled to ensure that conditions are similar to those found in the Indian subcontinent Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

The impressive new building has its roots in Foster's designs for the great glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire and the Great Court at the British Museum Photograph: Lina Anhoff/Lina Anhoff

The Snowdon Aviary at London Zoo, one of 57 examples of post war architecture and art recommended for protected status by English Heritage Photograph: PA Archives/PA

The aviary was a pioneering piece of architecture, because of its aluminium framework, and its use of tension as support Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Berthold Lubetkin's 1934 design for the Penguin Pool at London Zoo embraced the possibilities of new materials. It is now a Grade I listed building Photograph: Topical Press/Getty

Visitors feed the inhabitants of the newly-opened Penguin Pool Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty

Lubetkin's design aimed to provide a stimulating environment for the animals, and to provide visitors with a number of different viewing angles Photograph: Chris Gascoigne/View Pictures/View Pictures