Barretta & Associates provided the complete original architectural design

The project represents a specialized architectural undertaking: accommodating living collections, public circulation, educational experiences, and operational functions within a cohesive visitor environment.

Designing a butterfly attraction requires a relationship between habitat and human experience. Enclosures must accommodate living exhibits while giving visitors opportunities to observe them comfortably and at close range.

The architectural challenge brings together the practical requirements of exhibit boundaries, visitor movement, and support functions with the visual character of a tropical garden. The resulting spaces must accommodate exploration while maintaining a clear organization.



The rainforest aviary brings visitors into a planted environment beneath a spacious screened enclosure.

The photographed aviary illustrates how structure and landscape can contribute different qualities to a shared space. The overhead framework establishes the enclosure’s scale and order, while planting introduces layers of texture, color, and changing views.



From an architectural perspective, the visitor experiences several scales simultaneously: the overall enclosure, the garden pathway, and the individual butterfly. This relationship gives the attraction its distinctive spatial character.

Butterfly World’s original combination of public exhibits and research facilities connected recreation with education. The garden experience introduces visitors to butterflies within a habitat, while focused viewing areas offer opportunities to learn about their development. 



The laboratory viewing area illustrates a different scale of engagement from the larger aviaries. Together, these environments support learning through direct observation.