The ADI Design Museum in Milan, Italy, is currently hosting the Architecture for Dogs exhibition, where architects and designers like Kengo Kuma, Konstantin Grcic, and Ma Yansong from MAD have introduced a delightful selection of doghouses and pet-focused creations. Curated by Kenya Hara, the artistic director of the distinguished Japanese design brand Muji, this exhibition showcases a variety of structures designed to accommodate the unique needs of various dog breeds, thereby enhancing the relationship between dogs and their owners.
Among the standout contributions, Kengo Kuma has crafted a hill-like structure composed of geometric shapes, perfect for a pug to explore or relax beneath. Konstantin Grcic, on the other hand, has designed an illuminated mirror on a pedestal specifically for toy poodles, merging functionality with aesthetic appeal. Each piece reflects the designers’ innovative approaches to pet architecture.
Shigeru Ban has also made his mark with a captivating maze-like playspace for papillons, constructed from his signature undulating cardboard curves. This playful design invites interaction and exploration, embodying the spirit of the exhibition. The creativity on display is a testament to the diverse interpretations of what a pet space can be.
The exhibition further highlights the contributions of Italian designers Giulio Iacchetti and Piero Lissoni, who collaborated with the sustainable design brand Riva 1920. Iacchetti’s design for Italian greyhounds features a charming wooden igloo-like dog house, while Lissoni’s kennel for yorkiepoos boasts a sleek tubular design, showcasing the blend of style and practicality.
In addition to architectural designs, the exhibition includes a unique capsule collection from fashion brand Giorgio Armani in partnership with pet clothing brand Poldo Dog Couture. This collection seamlessly merges high fashion with functional pet designs, illustrating how style can extend beyond human wearables to include our furry companions.
Dog owners from across the globe can access blueprints and instructions for various designs on the Architecture for Dogs website. This initiative allows them to recreate these structures and tailor them to meet their dog’s specific needs.
The participatory nature of this project aims to cultivate an inclusive design community, inviting visitors to engage directly with the exhibition. The ADI Design Museum, one of the few venues in Italy that welcomes dogs into its exhibition spaces, provides a friendly atmosphere for both humans and their furry companions.
According to ADI president Luciano Galimberti, “The ADI Design Museum seeks to position itself as a hub of research and dialogue embracing all dimensions of contemporary life, both human and, in this case, animal.” Galimberti emphasizes that it is one of the rare museums in Milan and throughout Italy that permits dogs in its exhibition areas, fostering shared experiences between people and animals in a warm and inviting cultural setting.
Architecture for Dogs seeks to redefine conventional notions of pet spaces and explore new ways for dogs and their owners to interact. As Kenya Hara eloquently stated, the exhibition investigates how architecture and design can serve as a universal language for all living beings. Each design is meticulously crafted for specific breeds, featuring elements like ramps, cushions, and benches, all aimed at fostering deeper connections between pets and their humans. The exhibition’s layout, envisioned as a fluid system of display islands, was skillfully designed by Hara and the Hara Design Institute.
Notable contributors to this project include Asif Khan, Atelier Bow-Wow, FGMF, Hiroshi Naito, Kenya Hara, Kazuyo Sejima, Kengo Kuma, Konstantin Grcic, Ma Yansong, MVRDV, Shigeru Ban, Sou Fujimoto, Torafu Architects, and Toyo Ito.