Most dogs live indoors with their guardians, amid architecture that might suit the family's lifestyle but might not always reflect the dog's preferences. So Japanese designer Kenya Hara, Muji's design director, posed a challenge to 12 architects and designers: design architecture specifically for dogs — and specific breeds of dogs. The result is Architecture for Dogs, a collection that explores the relationship between dog and human; it kicked off with an exhibit in Miami this month and is gearing up for a Tokyo exhibit and book release in 2013.

Hara and Architecture for Dogs also invite dog lovers to download free blueprints for building the structures, upload images of finished doghouses, view others' completed designs and look through pictures of charming canines in their chic modern habitats.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Architect: Kazuyo Sejima
Breed: Bichon frise

Architect Kazuyo Sejima's goal for this cotton candy–like abode was to create a structure that would be completed by the bichon frise. There is a small hole in the back of the furry house, through which the dog can enter and leave. Like the missing piece of a puzzle, the animal's fur and form finish the fluffy house.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Architect: Torafu Architects
Breed: Jack Russell terrier

Architects Koichi Suzuno and Shinya Kamuro created this piece of furniture after figuring out that Jack Russell terriers were set at ease by exposure to their guardians' clothes.

Their findings led them to create a "wan-mock" (a combination of the Japanese words for "bark" and "hammock") out of a wood frame and old clothing that is stretched to form a hammock.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Architect: Toyo Ito
Breed: Shiba

Architect Toyo Ito created this structure as a kind of doghouse for walks and as a way for dogs to feel as comfortable as possible when out and about with their guardians.

He attached tires to a well-ventilated wooden basket, put in a soft cushion for lounging, added an adjustable shade to fight off sunshine or rain, and created a place that could be as comfortable as a spot under the shade of a tree. The mobile structure can also be a bed that fits in the entryway or inside the house.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Architect: Reiser + Umemoto
Breed: Chihuahua

Dubbed "The Cloud" by its designers, this fanciful structure symbolizes an extension of the dog as well as a mini shelter. Reiser + Umemoto write that the puffed skin "translates the movement, speed, and personality of the Chihuahua" and responds to its love of burrowing. When in the cloud, the dog feels warm and secure. The cloud also gives the illusion of a larger volume — completely suited to the Chihuahua’s big personality.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Architect: Sou Fujimoto
Breed: Boston terrier

A fusion of both furniture and doghouse, this structure has a hollowed-out section for a Boston terrier and shelves for houseplants, books and other accessories. Architect Sou Fujimoto points to the structure as a microcosm of the dog's daily life, a place where the animal interacts with all the things that the guardian has around the house. Fujimoto writes that this doghouse lets the dog get more involved in the guardian's daily life — and makes the human more involved in the dog's habitat as well, since doghouse and human furniture are one and the same.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Architect: Atelier Bow-Wow
Breed: Dachshund

This wood structure enables long-bodied, short-legged dogs like the dachshund to meet a guardian's eyes, especially since the structure has a built-in lounger for humans — perfect for a dog-human tête-à-tête.

by Hiroshi Yoda »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

When two of the structures are stacked, the area under the slope makes a cozy hideout. The topmost seat ledge and platform give the short-legged canines an elevated perch from which to scope out their surroundings.

Info: Learn more about the Architecture for Dogs exhibit and collection.

More:
Raise the Woof: Doghouses Delight at Barkitecture 2012

Comments

Tile-Stones Interesting. About the Jack Russel Terrier one.... It's not only Jack Russel's that are put at ease by the smell of their owners clothing, most dogs are.

5 months ago · Like ·

thandler That's a longhaired Dachshund.

5 months ago · Like

kaz2 I love some of those ideas especially the hammock. I've book maked it and the ramps for cat tree ideas. Thanks

5 months ago · Like ·

mcbriec I'm sorry. As someone who rescues feral cats and Third World street dogs, I can't help but think how much better it would benefit the animals to donate money to rescue efforts than to spend it on meaningless nonsense that pets don't care about. The wonderful thing is that they only ask for our love and a safe place and don't care about designer clothing or chic accessories.

5 months ago · Like ·

Stevie Kaz2 have you seen the whole house that a couple designed for their cats? The people also live there but it is full of ramps and sky walks. Maybe someone here has the link...

5 months ago · Like

diamondhill Hilarious! Thanks for the smiles and creative energy. Happy Holidays everyone!

5 months ago · Like

stephj0071 Wan-mock is a great idea!

5 months ago · Like

hbarker Well "The Cloud" for the chihuahua is nothing more than a stupid coat. The dog can't lick itself or drink when it is in it. Can't see it catching on.

3 months ago · Like