In recent years, dogs have really taken on a greater role in their owners’ lives. They aren’t just pets anymore; they’re truly a part of the family, with many owners proudly identifying as fur parents. We also see a surge of products hitting the market designed just for them, and these go beyond mere function. Designers have put a lot of thought into creating some really stylish and functional items, including dog houses.
Designer: Kenya Hara (curator)
The Architecture for Dogs exhibition is a true testament to how we now value our furry friends. Currently, it’s at Milan’s ADI Design Museum, showcasing a variety of ramps, cushions, mats, benches, and, of course, kennels specifically designed for different breeds to enhance the bond they share with their humans. And the best part? You can actually download these designs for free so folks can make their own customized versions suited to their dogs’ needs.
The exhibit features some pretty unique and fascinating designs. One standout is a creation called The Cloud by Reiser + Umemoto, which acts like a second skin for a Chihuahua, providing warmth and protection for their bones. It might look like a dress, but it’s designed as a “climatic buffer.” Meanwhile, Konstantin Grcic has developed a bed for a toy poodle that includes a mirror, based on the idea that dogs can engage with their reflection. Some designs even incorporate sustainable materials, like Shigeru Ban’s maze bed made from linked cardboard tubes, perfect for a papillon or continental toy spaniel.
Since this is the exhibit’s debut in Italy, there’s also two special contributions from local designers. Giulio Iaccheti designed a round, plywood-panelled kennel for an Italian greyhound, which looks like a little tent and comes with a red velvet cushion and a small red flag on top. Another designer, Piero Lissoni, created a plywood and aluminum kennel for a Yorkiepoo, taking inspiration from an airport hangar, surprisingly enough.
