Take shelter: Architects for Animals initiates well-designed homes for cats

Architects for Animals has proof that animals appreciate pioneering design as much as humans. The charitable initiative has invited some of LA’s top architects and designers to take part in its 2016 benefit by creating homes for feral cats in need of shelter from the elements.
Of course, it isn't the first time starchitects lend their skills to faithful furry friends. Japanese graphic designer Kenya Hara famously set up Architecture for Dogs in 2012.
For Architects for Animals, twelve firms donated brilliant designs that address the functional and social needs of street cats – incorporating playful elements, such as built-in feeding bowls, string toys, a ‘trophy’ gallery of mice or a live fish bowl – while all the while still appealing to the human eye.
Among the outstanding and quirky structures, Standard Architecture | Design constructed a self-heating shelter — the California Catcube — designed to give the ideal conditions for a catnap. Built from reclaimed wood and concrete the shelter traps heat during the day and releases it during the cool of the night; meanwhile, movable wood louvers work like window shutters to allow fresh air to circulate, should its inhabitant feel the need. For the more cultured cat, Pfeiffer Partners Architects’ ‘Teatro de Gato’ (Cat Theatre) allows the feline thespian a chance in the spotlight on their own personal stage.
Leslie Farrell, Founder of Architects for Animals, started picking up the phone in 2009 to invite architects and designers to build and donate designs. It is now one of the most popular and unique events on Los Angeles’ design calendar. ‘I have always been a fan of architecture, design and artists,’ she says. ‘I decided to devote my effort to create an event that would bring these worlds together and ultimately provide new ways to raise awareness and help animals that are suffering.’
The shelters were unveiled at a sold-out benefit in March, and all of the proceeds go to FixNation – who provide medical care and spray/neutering of homeless cats throughout LA County.
The designs address both the functional and social needs of street cats—incorporating playful elements, such as built-in feeding bowls and string toys - while still appealing to the human eye. Pictured: A sophisticated design by HOK
Leslie Farrell, Founder of Architects for Animals, started picking up the phone in 2009 to invite architects and designers to build and donate designs. Pictured: A felted dream by Formation Association and Buro Happold
‘I have always been a fan of architecture, design and artists,’ she says. ‘I decided to devote my effort to create an event that would bring these worlds together and ultimately provide new ways to raise awareness and help animals that are suffering.’ Pictured: A home that even humans would covet by RNL Design
The shelters were unveiled at a sold-out benefit in March, with all of the proceeds going to FixNation, who provide medical care and spray/neutering of homeless cats throughout LA County. Pictured: An all-wood design by CallisonRTKL
A selection of the donated shelters will be available to buy by auction soon on Ebay. Pictured: A modular home by Perkins+Will
Undulating curves and outdoor space played into this concept by Abramson Teiger Architects
INFORMATION
A selection of the donated shelters will be available to buy by auction on Ebay. For updates, please visit the Fixnation website
Photography: Meghan Bob Photography
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Charlotte Jansen is a journalist and the author of two books on photography, Girl on Girl (2017) and Photography Now (2021). She is commissioning editor at Elephant magazine and has written on contemporary art and culture for The Guardian, the Financial Times, ELLE, the British Journal of Photography, Frieze and Artsy. Jansen is also presenter of Dior Talks podcast series, The Female Gaze.
-
Knoll classics become unique works of art in the hands of Noel Mercado
Chicago artist Noel Mercado transforms three Knoll classics into one-off works of art using discarded car parts
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Budding romance: Dior pays homage to the rose
Dior Joaillerie’s ‘Bois de Rose’ collection pays homage to the classic flower
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Alaïa teams up with Rare Books Paris to curate a stylish library
Alaïa partners with Rare Books Paris to celebrate some of fashion and art’s most collectable tomes, curated by Peter Mulier and displayed in Alaïa’s Paris and London boutiques
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Sandbox Films’ New York office nods to the Golden Age of Hollywood with a film noir setting
Sandbox Films, a Manhattan-based production company, gets an interior overhaul inspired by European art-deco cinema
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Walker Art Center opens new collectible design shop
Idea House 3, the Walker Art Center’s new design shopping experience, highlights works from local and international talents
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Abask gets real at Salon Art + Design in New York
Digital retail destination Abask presents its design collectibles as part of a select group of Special Design Partners, a new feature of the fair’s 12th edition (until 13 November 2023)
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Take a peek inside 108 Leonard and its amenity rooms featuring Giorgetti furniture
New York's 108 Leonard amenity rooms include a chef’s kitchen, 75-foot-lap pool, and bespoke furniture by Italian brand Giorgetti
By Diana Budds Published
-
Black designers tell a story of craft and history in New York exhibition
Furniture by Black designers including Norman Teague, Nifemi Marcus-Bello and Peter Mabeo features in 'Spotlight II' at Verso Gallery (until 10 November 2023)
By Diana Budds Published
-
Step into Gohar World’s first store
The Gohar World holiday shop, open now until 15 January 2024, offers the brand’s whimsical curios and tableware, with a store design concept by Rafael Prieto
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Brian Rideout’s oil paintings of domestic interiors blur lines of time and reality
For Brian Rideout’s solo show in New York, the Toronto-based painter drew from gallerist Patrick Parrish's rich collection of design books to create new works
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Residenza Cappellini combines bold colour and Italian design in Manhattan
Frenchcalifornia and Giulio Cappellini present Residenza Cappellini, adding Italian interior flair to the Manhattan skyline
By Tianna Williams Published