The city of Zootopia, a place where anyone can be anything and where animals of all shapes, sizes, and species can live together in peace. This is the romanticized ideal held dear by a young Judy Hopps, but it's not too far from the designs set forth by Disney in the 2016 film.
It might look bright and colorful on its own, but there's quite a heavy amount of consideration for details in Zootopia. From the hustle and bustle of Downtown to the quiet countryside of Bunny Burrows, there's not an atom out of purpose in this wild world.
A City of Cities
At first glance, Zootopia might look like a standard-issue city with its skyscrapers, traffic, and large population, but a closer look at the city's actual design reveals some very real locations behind its inspiration.
Where the downtown area and places like Little Rodentia resemble the urban vibes of New York City, the giant glass palm tree in Sahara Square is a direct reference to the Palm Island of Dubai.
Organic Designs
Speaking of designs, not only does the cityscape pull from other cities, but the animals who inhabit it as well. From cars and trains to structures and skyscrapers, there's always something animalistic or organic in the shape and design of the environments.
Whether it's a giraffe print paint job or a train in the shape of a giant rhinoceros head, it's nice to know that the architects were inspired by those who call Zootopia home.
Follow the Herd
This is more of a visual gag than anything else, but, in theory, it's quite a clever move on the artists' part. There are a handful of herds seen in this film, thankfully not Lion King-sized, but enough that special crosswalks had to be installed.
Take a second look at the signs by the crossings, look familiar? Resembling the wildlife warnings seen on real-life roadsides, it does seem to fit the designs.
Bunnies and Forest Spirits?
A definite Easter egg, but not one that went unappreciated by the fans. Anyone who knows about John Lasseter's friendship with Hayo Miyazaki knows about Totoro.
The forest spirit has made Disney cameos before, but this time it was on a larger scale. Pay attention to the train station in Bunny Burrows as Judy departs. Those wide eyes and large teeth definitely look familiar, don't they?
All Creatures Great and Small
There are loads of different species from around the world that call Zootopia home. From the large and in charge of Chief Bogo to the small but mighty Mr. Big, the city has to accommodate creatures of every size.
On many public buildings and transports, there are multiple doors ranging from great to small sizes to include all citizens. Talk about public consideration.
Species-Appropriate Territories
With the different species from different areas come the different natural environments. Fortunately, Zootopia has four districts that accommodate the various species.
Saharah Square, Tundra Town, Savannah Central, and the Rainforest District are built to provide a home somewhere in the city for any species imaginable.
Different Species are Given Appropriate Biomes
On the subject of those districts, it would be easy enough just to divide the species into appropriate territories. Putting polar bears in Tundra Town and lions in Savanah Central is a simple job, but the design goes to the next level with the various features for the citizens in each district.
Camels get their desert to run across, bunnies have lush farmlands to satisfy their carrot cravings, everyone goes home happy.
Weather Permitting
It's not just the district environments that accommodate the species, but they also have their own weather system's too. That's some pretty forward-thinking on the city planner's part.
Saharah Square has giant heating vents to create scorching sands, Tundra Town has snow machines, and the Rainforest District has its own sprinkler system to make those misty Amazon cloud bursts. The animals practically have their choice of weather at all times.
Public Transport Constructed for All Species
One of the first elements of the city viewers are introduced to is the bright orange train that takes Judy from the Burrows to the bustling urban jungle of Zootopia. This might look like a big city staple found in most metropolises, but right from the station, viewers will note that it caters to every species size.
From dancing tiger to hamster businessman, the train appears to have entrances and compartments to fit everyone.
No Job Too Big (Or Small)
Though a hamster with a tiny cellphone and businessman suit and a glitter-clad tiger dancer might be comical imagery, it does open up a look into Zootopia's diversity. Think about it, the citizens' jobs aren't dictated by their species, but by their abilities.
Judy proves this in her police academy montage at the beginning of the film. She might have been a trailblazer, but it looks like in Zootopia, anyone CAN be anything.