Architecture may have its roots in sheltering humans from the elements, but that is not to say that architecture is for humans alone. Around the world, there are numerous examples of buildings and shelters designed by architects for other species. Some of these can be whimsical, such as the Dogchitecture exhibit by 10 Mexican architecture firms back in 2013, or the series of BowWow Haus kennels designed by over 80 architects back in 2017, including Zaha Hadid Architects. But others are designed for a more direct impact.
From equine pavilions to bear sanctuaries, cricket shelters to cat cafes, architects have in recent times been employed to create spaces that cater for the needs of animals of all sizes and – temperaments. Take a look at 20 examples below.
Kennels / Atelier GOM
Reconstruction Design of Wuhan Stray Animal Base Adoption Area / UAO Design
Hotel Equino / Gabarra Arquitectes
39186 Vacant Rooms / VAPAA Collective
The Cultural Courtyard - Elephant World / Bangkok Project Studio
Educan School for Dogs, Humans and Other Species / Eeestudio + Lys Villalba
Elephant Museum Elephant World / Bangkok Project Studio
Strasbourg Zoo's Pedagogical Farm and Visitor Center / FREAKS Architecture
Canine and Feline Hotel / Raulino Silva Arquitecto
Næra Hotel, Chicken Coop / Leeko Studio
Aviary and Stable Park El Encanto / DRAA
House of Chickens / SO? Architecture and Ideas
Sheepfold Bargerveen Barn / DAAD Architects
Cat Café TRYST / Parallect Design
Vietnam BEAR Sanctuary / COLE
Animal Shelter and Pet Crematorium Lommel / Collectief Noord
Equine Pavilion in Aulesti / ELE Arkitektura
Chicken House / Tropical Space
Jiyan Healing Garden / ZRS Architekten Ingenieure
Cricket Shelter - Modular Insect Farm / Terreform ONE
Note: Find more reference projects in this My ArchDaily folder created by the author.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 21, 2020, and updated on March 2, 2022.
