Bramsen Tropical Forests’ lighting design supports a habitat-first, long-term vision for Brookfield Zoo. Led by Erin Held prior to joining Polymath Design, the approach balanced immersive rainforest atmosphere with the durability, flexibility, and animal sensitivity required of a year-round Chicago habitat.

Lighting complements the project’s restrained, gallery-like architecture and visitor experience: it helps frame meaningful views into the habitats and conservation spaces without making animals continuously visible or compromising their ability to retreat. Across indoor care areas, viewing shelters, and the Gorilla Conservation Center, the design supports adaptable use, comfort, education, and event programming while respecting acoustical and environmental needs.

The project embodies an “Infinite Game” approach to lighting: not designing for a single opening-day effect, but for an evolving zoo campus that can continue to educate, inspire, and serve animal welfare for decades.