NEWS
Dan Pearlman plans new panda project as immersive experience debuts in South Korea
POSTED 09 May 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Twilight Experience – an area offering visitors a glimpse into the panda’s nocturnal habitat – is the only one of its kind in the world
Pandas are on the agenda for design firm Dan Pearlman, with the Berlin-based practice creating the new panda enclosure for Berlin Zoo, while also debuting a new indoor and outdoor environment for pandas at Everland Resort in Yongin, South Korea.

A pair of giant pandas, which can generate millions in revenue every year as visitors travel far and wide to get a glimpse of the endangered species, made their South Korean debut on 21 April to coincide with the fortieth anniversary of Everland Zoo.

The 7,000sq m (75,000sq ft) Panda World is centred around a world-class enclosure, also featuring an exhibition space, classrooms, retail, a café and caretaker areas.

“The landscape of Sichuan Province was our main theme in designing the exhibition," said Kieran Stanley, CEO of Dan Pearlman. "We wanted visitors to feel like they’re transported to the habitat of the giant pandas and immersed in their lush natural surroundings.”

The main building has been clad with artificial rock, to embed Panda World into the landscape. The design emulates mountain ranges, rivers and dense forests. Internally, bamboo, ginko and coniferous trees, rock formations, small streams and waterfalls create a feeling of authenticity at Panda World.

Dan Pearlman’s design starts at Panda Plaza, moving through to a green, water-rich landscape modelled after China’s Sichuan Province, home of the wild panda. After passing a koi pond and otter enclosure, the exhibition dedicated to all aspects of panda life will educate visitors about species conservation.

From the exhibition, Dan Pearlman have designed Twilight Experience – an area offering visitors a glimpse into the panda’s nocturnal habitat – the only one of its kind in the world.

The main attraction – the house of pandas – is set out in a bamboo grove, which carries from indoor to outdoor without any perceptible breaks in continuity. The area also features red pandas and golden monkeys.

Following the South Korea project, Dan Pearlman are now drawing on their knowledge of how giant pandas conduct themselves with the planning another panda enclosure, this time at Berlin’s Zoological Garden, which will open to the public in 2017 when a young panda couple come from China to Germany.

The 7,000sq m (75,000sq ft) Panda World is centred around a world-class enclosure
The main building has been clad with artificial rock, to embed Panda World into the landscape
RELATED STORIES
  Exclusive: Architect behind 'The Giant' reveals big picture for ambitious plans


Kieran Stanley, founder and CEO of Dan Pearlman architects has revealed new details about the upcoming Giant project, due to take its first big steps in Berlin in 2017.
  Mammoth moving attraction 'The Giant' is coming to a city near you


Architecture firm Dan Pearlman have unveiled plans for a unique, 10-storey moving sculpture and museum known as ‘The Giant’, which is set for a worldwide rollout in 2017.
  FEATURE: Zoos: Panda Power


A look at the global business of leasing giant pandas from China
  Revealed: How to procure a panda


The startling costs involved in procuring pandas for zoos have been laid bare in this month’s Attractions Management magazine, where a swot analysis finds that the complex process is far from black and white.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Dan Pearlman plans new panda project as immersive experience debuts in South Korea...
09 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

09 May 2016

Dan Pearlman plans new panda project as immersive experience debuts in South Korea
BY Tom Anstey

Twilight Experience – an area offering visitors a glimpse into the panda’s nocturnal habitat – is the only one of its kind in the world

Twilight Experience – an area offering visitors a glimpse into the panda’s nocturnal habitat – is the only one of its kind in the world

Pandas are on the agenda for design firm Dan Pearlman, with the Berlin-based practice creating the new panda enclosure for Berlin Zoo, while also debuting a new indoor and outdoor environment for pandas at Everland Resort in Yongin, South Korea.

A pair of giant pandas, which can generate millions in revenue every year as visitors travel far and wide to get a glimpse of the endangered species, made their South Korean debut on 21 April to coincide with the fortieth anniversary of Everland Zoo.

The 7,000sq m (75,000sq ft) Panda World is centred around a world-class enclosure, also featuring an exhibition space, classrooms, retail, a café and caretaker areas.

“The landscape of Sichuan Province was our main theme in designing the exhibition," said Kieran Stanley, CEO of Dan Pearlman. "We wanted visitors to feel like they’re transported to the habitat of the giant pandas and immersed in their lush natural surroundings.”

The main building has been clad with artificial rock, to embed Panda World into the landscape. The design emulates mountain ranges, rivers and dense forests. Internally, bamboo, ginko and coniferous trees, rock formations, small streams and waterfalls create a feeling of authenticity at Panda World.

Dan Pearlman’s design starts at Panda Plaza, moving through to a green, water-rich landscape modelled after China’s Sichuan Province, home of the wild panda. After passing a koi pond and otter enclosure, the exhibition dedicated to all aspects of panda life will educate visitors about species conservation.

From the exhibition, Dan Pearlman have designed Twilight Experience – an area offering visitors a glimpse into the panda’s nocturnal habitat – the only one of its kind in the world.

The main attraction – the house of pandas – is set out in a bamboo grove, which carries from indoor to outdoor without any perceptible breaks in continuity. The area also features red pandas and golden monkeys.

Following the South Korea project, Dan Pearlman are now drawing on their knowledge of how giant pandas conduct themselves with the planning another panda enclosure, this time at Berlin’s Zoological Garden, which will open to the public in 2017 when a young panda couple come from China to Germany.




Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Peloton signals potential move into reformer Pilates with Skōp acquisition
Peloton signals potential move into reformer Pilates with Skōp acquisition   09 Jun 2026

Peloton has made the strategic acquisition of Pilates start-up, Skōp, to support the expansion of its strength ecosystem.

....
more>>
Rainforest immersion and mindfulness are on offer at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, for Global Wellness Day
Rainforest immersion and mindfulness are on offer at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, for Global Wellness Day   09 Jun 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day (GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful .... more>>

Crunch Fitness creates more affordable reformer Pilates concept
Crunch Fitness creates more affordable reformer Pilates concept   09 Jun 2026

Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept designed to bring this fast growing, but rather .... more>>

As the 20th State of the Industry Report is released, LeisureDB rebrands to Evolve
As the 20th State of the Industry Report is released, LeisureDB rebrands to Evolve   08 Jun 2026

The 20th State of the Industry Report from LeisureDB has revealed a resilient, expanding and competitive sector, the importance of .... more>>

Longevitix launches AI-powered platform to deliver longevity medicine at scale
Longevitix launches AI-powered platform to deliver longevity medicine at scale   08 Jun 2026

Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver .... more>>

Orangetheory set for Italian expansion and Technogym tie-up
Orangetheory set for Italian expansion and Technogym tie-up   08 Jun 2026

Purpose Brands has announced its entry into the Italian market, having sold the franchise rights for four Orangetheory Fitness studios to Icon .... more>>

Company profile


Seed To Skin

Founded by Jeanette Thottrup in 2018, in Tuscany, Seed to Skin is an award winning skincare line.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd