Azar Design Co was contracted by the City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works to redesign the entry plaza at the Buffalo Zoo. Our Landscape Architecture team developed a solution to replace the existing pervious concrete with a more effective, safe, and visually appealing surface. The final design features a distinctive sunburst pattern combining pervious pavers in varied colors and textures with standard concrete, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

The Great Lakes-shaped fountain, previously designed by Azar, remains a central feature of the upgraded plaza. This design preserved and integrated the fountain, complemented by new tree plantings, tree grates, and a dedicated planting area, creating a cohesive and inviting space.

The challenge was to create an attractive, permeable surface that supports traffic. Azar selected larger-format pavers with a structural geogrid for durability and employed a sustainable approach by repurposing the existing plaza’s permeable stone subbase, achieving significant cost savings. We managed the construction schedule through a phased plan, ensuring uninterrupted access for zoo visitors throughout the project.