The World At Your Feet - Custom Map Floor Mural

ZSL London Zoo asked us to help to put their Animal Adventure zone back on the map for their young visitors, calling on us to provide floor graphics throughout the menagerie of meerkats, coatis, and mongoose.

Built on the site of the original Children’s Zoo that first opened in 1938, the improved Animal Adventure retained its spirit of bringing kids closer to nature through play, capturing imaginations with a new activity area, complete with water splash zone.

The revamp also included specially designed low barriers for little ones to get up close with the residents, a catering kiosk for bigger explorers to refuel, and an open-air amphitheatre for daily talks with the expert zookeepers to be held.

The latter was a particularly exciting part of the renovation for us, as it was the one bit that saw us get our paint brushes out and truly go wild with a floor mural.

Floor graphics of a bear in the wild forests of north America.
Hand-painted 'WILDLIFE' floor graphic at ZSL London Zoo's Animal Adventure zone.
Hand painted lettering
Cursive wildlife illustration as part of the educational floor graphics at the zoo.
A zoo animal tasting a leaf.
Large hand painted floor design of an illustrated map of the world.
Detailed view of the colourful world map floor mural at the Animal Adventure exhibit.
Green map of the world with yellow seas.
The large floor graphics cover the whole of the area.
Children exploring the hand-painted global map floor graphic in the Animal Adventure zone.
Rein deers close to the north pole
Silhouette of a deer as part of the interactive floor artwork at ZSL London Zoo.
Hand painted lettering in resistant paint.
Vibrant hand-painted floor signage spelling 'wildlife' for the Animal Adventure zone.
Two feet and an autumn leaf on the floor graphics.
Visitor's perspective standing on the anti-slip hand-painted floor graphic at the zoo.
A couple of birds playing around the aviary.
Colourful birds in flight within the Animal Adventure exhibit at ZSL London Zoo.
Floor graphics of a bear in the wild forests of north America.
Hand-painted 'WILDLIFE' floor graphic at ZSL London Zoo's Animal Adventure zone.
Hand painted lettering
Cursive wildlife illustration as part of the educational floor graphics at the zoo.
A zoo animal tasting a leaf.
Large hand painted floor design of an illustrated map of the world.
Detailed view of the colourful world map floor mural at the Animal Adventure exhibit.
Green map of the world with yellow seas.
The large floor graphics cover the whole of the area.
Children exploring the hand-painted global map floor graphic in the Animal Adventure zone.
Rein deers close to the north pole
Silhouette of a deer as part of the interactive floor artwork at ZSL London Zoo.
Hand painted lettering in resistant paint.
Vibrant hand-painted floor signage spelling 'wildlife' for the Animal Adventure zone.
Two feet and an autumn leaf on the floor graphics.
Visitor's perspective standing on the anti-slip hand-painted floor graphic at the zoo.
A couple of birds playing around the aviary.
Colourful birds in flight within the Animal Adventure exhibit at ZSL London Zoo.
Floor graphics of a bear in the wild forests of north America.
Hand-painted 'WILDLIFE' floor graphic at ZSL London Zoo's Animal Adventure zone.
Hand painted lettering
Cursive wildlife illustration as part of the educational floor graphics at the zoo.
A zoo animal tasting a leaf.
Large hand painted floor design of an illustrated map of the world.
Detailed view of the colourful world map floor mural at the Animal Adventure exhibit.
Green map of the world with yellow seas.
The large floor graphics cover the whole of the area.
Children exploring the hand-painted global map floor graphic in the Animal Adventure zone.
Rein deers close to the north pole
Silhouette of a deer as part of the interactive floor artwork at ZSL London Zoo.
Hand painted lettering in resistant paint.
Vibrant hand-painted floor signage spelling 'wildlife' for the Animal Adventure zone.
Two feet and an autumn leaf on the floor graphics.
Visitor's perspective standing on the anti-slip hand-painted floor graphic at the zoo.
A couple of birds playing around the aviary.
Colourful birds in flight within the Animal Adventure exhibit at ZSL London Zoo.
Floor graphics of a bear in the wild forests of north America.
Hand painted lettering
A zoo animal tasting a leaf.
Large hand painted floor design of an illustrated map of the world.
Green map of the world with yellow seas.
The large floor graphics cover the whole of the area.
Rein deers close to the north pole
Hand painted lettering in resistant paint.
Two feet and an autumn leaf on the floor graphics.
A couple of birds playing around the aviary.
Hand Painted Floor Graphic for ZSL London Zoo's Animal Adventure

Naturally, the daily talks were expected to draw a large footfall into the area, so we set to work on hand painting  huge floor graphics for the client – recreating their design of an illustrated world map and making a colourful splash the size of 10 metres by 6 metres to really attract the crowds.

As luck would have it, the installation took place over the hottest days of 2019, and proved a real challenge to complete in time for the grand re-opening of this section of the zoo. We nearly asked the lovely zookeepers to add us to the list of creatures that needed hydrating! Digging deep, the project was completed within five days and after the consumption of copious amounts of water.

Thinking ahead, we decided to use a durable, anti-slip paint to ensure the artwork would be resistant to the elements and safe to walk on whatever the weather. Composed of simple geometric shapes, animal silhouettes and multiple iterations of the word ‘wildlife’, the concept stays true to the Animal Adventure zones’ young audience. Fast-forward to autumn and the piece is just as vibrant as it was when first laid, leaves and all, and we’re happy to see it has even withstood the everyday stampedes of pitter-pattering tiny tots.

FAQS - ZSL London Zoo: Animal Adventure

What is the Animal Adventure zone at ZSL London Zoo?

The Animal Adventure zone at ZSL London Zoo is a family-friendly area designed to bring children closer to nature through interactive play and learning experiences. It features a range of activities, including a water splash zone, low barriers for close-up animal encounters, and an open-air amphitheatre for daily educational talks.

Can visitors interact with the hand painted floor graphics at the Animal Adventure zone?

Complementing the Animal Adventure exhibit, our hand-painted floor graphic depicts an illustrated world map and various wildlife silhouettes in an open, accessible area. It is designed to be anti-slip and walked over, allowing visitors to explore them safely.

Are the floor graphics at the Animal Adventure zone safe for all weather conditions?

The floor graphics at the Animal Adventure zone are created using durable, anti-slip paint, ensuring they are resistant to various weather conditions and safe for visitors to walk on at any time.

How do the floor graphics enhance the visitor experience at the Animal Adventure zone?

The floor graphics enhance the visitor experience by adding vibrant visual elements that engage children and help convey educational messages about wildlife and geography. They serve as both an attraction and a learning tool for very young visitors within the zone.

What inspired the design of the floor graphics at ZSL London Zoo's Animal Adventure zone?

The design of the floor graphics is inspired by the zoo's mission to educate the littler visitors about wildlife and conservation. Simple geometric shapes, animal silhouettes, and the word 'wildlife' are used to create an engaging and playful environment that resonates with the young audience.

What materials were used for the floor graphics in the Animal Adventure zone?

The floor graphics were hand-painted using a specialised durable, anti-slip paint specifically designed for high foot traffic areas, ensuring longevity and safety for all visitors. A permanent feature of the Animal Adventure zone, the materials are made to withstand varying weather conditions. In fact, case in point - we crafted this sign during the course of London's five hottest days of 2019 - it came out as vibrant as the client's designs and remained so when we took the photographs on a rainy day in autumn.

Does Glyphics offer expertise in creating floor graphics?

Yes, Glyphics specialises in crafting bespoke hand painted floor graphics that are tailored to the client's needs. Our expertise ranges from vibrant, playful designs for the cultural sector to professional, brand-centric graphics for corporate environments.

How long does it take to install a floor graphic from Glyphics?

The installation time for a floor graphic can vary depending on the size and complexity of the design, as well as the preparation required for the space. Glyphics works efficiently to meet client deadlines, and we can provide a more accurate timeline once we understand the project's specifics.

What kind of maintenance do floor graphics from Glyphics require?

Our floor graphics are designed to be low-maintenance, thanks to the use of high-quality, durable materials. However, regular cleaning and occasional touch-ups can help maintain their vibrant appearance over time.

What should I consider before commissioning a floor graphic from Glyphics?

Before commissioning a floor graphic, consider the purpose of the graphic, the placement of the graphic (indoors, outdoors, in sunlight or a shaded spot?), the foot traffic in the area, safety requirements, the existing design elements of the space, and the longevity you require. It's also important to think about the message or experience you want to convey to your audience with the floor graphic. With that information to hand, we can look at the specific needs of each environment to provide the best solution for our clients.

Can Glyphics assist with the design process of a custom floor graphic?

Yes, our team is equipped to assist with every stage of the design process, from initial concept to final execution, ensuring your vision is brought to life in the most effective and visually appealing way possible.

How can I get started with my floor graphic project with Glyphics?

To get started, contact Glyphics to schedule a consultation. We'll discuss your vision, objectives, and any specific requirements for your floor graphic project to ensure a final product that meets your expectations and enhances your space.

Latest articles
More articles
Some of our awesome clients
Workspace Group logoCo Space logoOzone Coffee Roasters logoStrong Roots logoThe Hackett Group logoGrabthai logoEtsy logoPlaystation logoThe Croc logoCenttrip logoSadler's Wells logoBP logoHerbert Smith Freehills logoNational Crime Agency logoZSL London Zoo logoNonsense logoInterchange Coworking logo30 St Mary Axe logo
THREE DECADES AS LONDON’S TRUSTED SIGN MAKER
QUALITY BESPOKE SIGNAGE

From independent businesses and private offices to public buildings and cultural centres, we serve organisations across the UK with signs made using both traditional skills and contemporary technologies.

As a company built on testimonials and repeat custom, we nurture strong relationships with our clients from the very start.

Our ordering process is simple and hassle-free:

  1. Contact us through the form to discuss your design needs and receive a quote.

  2. Our team of experts will determine the best materials and construction methods.

  3. Feedback or approve the design and quote.

  4. Relax while we craft your custom sign.

  5. We'll handle installation and ensure everything is to your satisfaction.

Get a quote
Name
Company
Work email
Work phone number
Company size
Number of signs required
When do you need the sign(s)?
Upload relevant design files
Installation address
Job description