Pet-friendly architecture

Atelier Bow-Wow created a stepped structure for dachshunds

Nowadays, pampered pets are a common sight. Dogs are dressed in clothes, cats are given beds, while others are made to resemble humans.

For many of us, pets are members of our families. We shower them often with gifts and affection. Once a beloved pet joins the family, we make changes in our lives to accommodate their needs.

But when it comes to our homes, must we really sacrifice our couches and pillows to the occasional scratches and tears? Despite the wonder of house training, are we ready for possible excretory accidents at home?

If you cannot keep the cat off the bed, prepare the bed for the cat.

Dog-centric design

Though pets are some of our best companions, our homes may not always be suited for them. This is why designers are now coming up with ways to create structures specifically for our beloved animals.

A project that exemplifies this is “Architecture for Dogs”, an online-based initiative that is virtually for everyone.

“Architecture for Dogs” is the brainchild of Kenya Hara, art director of the Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI. It features 13 renowned designers, including Toyo Ito, Torafu Architects, Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA and Hara himself.

Launched in 2012, the project has been exhibited in different museums across the globe. It showcases creations for specific dog breeds in mind.

Each of the featured pieces reflects aspects of their creators’ architectural works.

For example, Shigeru Ban, who is known for using paper tubes as his primary material, designed a series of paper tube curves specifically catering to the papillon breed. The pieces can be used to create a bed, a swing, a maze among other things.

Sou Fujimoto adapted the framework of his Tokyo House NA Project to shelter a Boston terrier in a skeletal doghouse, while Kengo Kuma, an award winning architect who often used modular systems, created “Mount Pug” out of plywood parts as a haven for its beloved namesake.

Incredibly, the designers allow anybody to recreate their works. The blueprints of all the innovative doghouses can be downloaded for free online. They only ask those who recreate the projects to share photos of the completed creations.

Overall, Architecture for Dogs is a unique way of bridging love for architecture and animals. It shows that everybody, even dogs, can benefit from good design.

Keep your home pet-friendly to bring in your furry friends.

Pet haven

When it comes to human-centered spaces, design remains crucial to accommodate any residing pets. If you are an avid pet owner, it would be wise to consider your pet’s needs when building and maintaining your home.

Julia Szabo, pet columnist of the New York Post, said the key is to choose the right materials and accommodate your animal’s needs. She shared some practical tips to keep both owners and pets happy at a home:

Clean rooms and vacuum regularly to keep up with shedding hairs.

Bathe your pets regularly to prevent them from dirtying your house.

Opt for leather or pleather (an animal-friendly alternative) for your furniture.

Use washable clothes for your beddings for easy cleaning in case of accidents.

Choose fabrics that are of the same shade as your pet’s fur to minimize hair shed visibility.

Skip the carpets and install floor tiles instead for easy maintenance.

Provide a transition room for your dogs to clean up in when coming from the yard.

Give your pets safe chew toys to prevent them from attacking the furniture.

The project of Sou Fujimoto features a minimalist dog house

Designed for humans, pets

These tips are applicable to many pets, but most especially to dogs and cats.

Keep in mind that there is no guaranteed way of protecting your furniture or spaces from pets. But knowing your pet’s tendencies can at least help you prepare your home for minimal or reversible damage.

Allowing pets to live inside our homes often improves the bond between owners and animals. More often than not, a pet-friendly home can also be suitable for children.

With this in mind, it would be wise to design or manage your home in consideration of your animal companions.

When it comes to architecture for pets, we have come a long way from doghouses. Structures today can be made specifically to suit unique animal needs. Our homes can also be designed to cater to both humans and pets.

Through architecture, everyone can live more harmoniously under one roof.

Pet-friendly architecture shows that design is indeed universal. It is a tool that can improve lives for the better, whether for human or animal.

(Sources: Photos of Hiroshi Yoda; www.architecturefordogs.com; www.dezeen.com; www.hgtv.com)

The author is a licensed architect who studied abroad and currently works for DSFN Architects. She takes care of four dogs and has seen the worst of pet-related house accidents.

Assembly instructions for the Paper Papillon by Shigeru Ban is available for free download.

The Mount Pug of Kengo Kuma is modular in design.