Conservation Campus in the African Savanna

SDI Architecture was invited to design a sanctuary campus dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of cheetahs in southern Africa. The project supports a local nonprofit’s mission to conserve endangered wildlife through education, responsible tourism, and hands-on care. Set within a rugged savanna landscape, the design balances the needs of animal welfare, staff operations, and visitor engagement—prioritizing sustainability and environmental sensitivity at every turn.

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The sanctuary includes specialized enclosures, veterinary facilities, research labs, and overnight accommodations for volunteers and researchers. Structures were placed to minimize ecological disruption, with pathways and utilities carefully routed around native vegetation. Buildings utilize passive cooling techniques and locally sourced materials, creating a low-impact footprint that responds to the climate and blends into the surrounding terrain.

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A key design goal was to make the sanctuary not just functional, but emotionally resonant. The architecture invites quiet reflection, with shaded overlooks and open-air gathering spaces that allow visitors to connect deeply with the animals and the land. Interpretive displays, viewing platforms, and classroom zones encourage education and advocacy, helping transform casual guests into conservation allies. Through careful planning and a deep respect for place, the sanctuary becomes a model for how design can support ecological preservation while telling a powerful story of coexistence.