# Tropical Ecostructures ‘Heart of Africa' Biodome Set for Opening at Chester Zoo By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-01-29 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heart-of-africa-biodome References: [archinect](http://archinect.com/features/article.php?id=95147_0_23_0_M) & [zandavisitor](http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-871-Chester_Zoo_Unveils_A_£225_Million_Biodome_Plan_Unlike_Anything_Else_On_The_Planet) A gigantic [biodome](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumisphere-experience) for the Chester Zoo in Northern England is in the works. Designed by [Proctor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hope-villa) and Matthews Architects, the huge structure will house a band of gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, okapi, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, invertebrates and a wide variety of plant life. Called, the ‘Heart of Africa,’ the entire structure will mimic the [natural African rain forest habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mandai-rainforest-resort) of the Congo. It will include themed shops and dining and is slated to open in 2014. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Giant Biodomes:** Design and construction of large-scale biodomes for housing animals and plants, creating immersive environmental experiences. - **Eco-tourism:** Development of eco-friendly attractions and experiences that focus on conservation and education. - **Sustainable Architecture:** Incorporating sustainable and environmentally-responsible design principles in the construction of buildings and structures. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Zoos and Wildlife Parks:** Opportunity to create immersive and educational environments for visitors through the construction of giant biodomes and themed attractions. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Potential to attract eco-conscious tourists with unique and sustainable attractions like the Heart of Africa biodome. - **Architecture and Construction:** Increasing demand for sustainable and innovative design solutions in the construction of biodomes and similar structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bold Zoo Hotel Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reserve-hotel.md) - [Bamboo Forest Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-rainforest-pavilion.md) - [Botanical Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-ark-pavilion.md) - [Sustainable Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-arc.md) - [Biodiversity Architectural Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-archischool.md) - [Forest Tower Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderwoods-vertical-forest.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Digital Marine Habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nereid-marine-habitat.md) - [Eco-Friendly Rainforest Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mandai-rainforest-resort.md)