The field of architecture has always spawned curious subsets. “Barkitecture” is perhaps the most practical—designer dog houses that match breeds with ideal habitats, focusing on physical, emotional and social needs.
While the spaces veer toward whimsy, they offer a unique fusion of design aesthetics and canine behavior science. The designs are traditionally kept small, as dogs prefer tighter enclosed areas for sleep, duplicating their ancestors’ dens. Overall, the right dog house for the right breed can help reduce stress, prevent boredom and encourage exercise, say proponents.
A fully abode for a fluffy breed. Kazuyo Sejima’s design for the Bichon Frise. Photo courtesy of ADI Design Museum.
Hiroshi Yoda
The contemporary interest in architecture for dogs gained steam when the global initiative, Architecture for Dogs was launched in 2012 by Japanese designer Kenya Hara. The focus was not just on design. The project also attempts to redefine how humans relate to their pets.
Milan’s ADI Design Museum is hosting an interdisciplinary exhibition on the subject, through February 16, 2025. Curated by Hara, CEO of Nippon Design Center, the exhibition includes a variety of structures and materials—from cushions, rugs, and ramps to benches, yarn and mirrors.
This hanging paper design built for terriers establishes a floating territory. By the Hara Design Institute. Photo courtesy of the ADI Design Museum.
Hiroshi Yoda
Hara terms the collection as an “extremely sincere” one. “Dogs are people’s partners, living right beside them, but they are also animals that humans, through crossbreeding, have created in multitudes of breeds,” he said in an email. “Reexamining these close partners with fresh eyes may be a chance to reexamine both human beings themselves and the natural environment.”
Download Blueprints To Build Your Own Designer Dog House
You can download designs at the Architecture for Dogs website and build your own curiosity.
ADI Design Museum
Pet owners can download blueprints on the Architecture for Dogs site, and build their own habitats. The blueprints are located under the “Gallery” link. Click on an image of a dog house you like, and then click on “more information.”
For example, the “Beagle House Interactive Dog House” by MVRDV is an elongated curved space that gently rocks when a beagle enters or leaves the dog house. MVRDV describes it as “an elegant and playful object, creating both a hideaway and interactive toy. The curved shape invites the dog to enter the house, stimulates play, and offers a comfortable and quiet space.”
This “dog cooler” design by Hiroshi Naito is chilled by inserting plastic bags of ice into the aluminum tubing. Photo courtesy of ADI Design Museum.
Hiroshi Yoda
A rope is attached to the front underside, making it easy to tote the dog house to various parts of a backyard or patio. Constructed of plywood and veneer with a clear coat of varnish, it can be built with nails, screws, or glue, and requires a drill, panel saw, jigsaw and nail gun. It weighs about 5 Kg.
This Konstantin Grcic design for poodles is aptly called “Paramount.” It’s based on research: poodles have been shown to react positively to mirrors. Photo courtesy of ADI Design Museum.
Hiroshi Yoda
Giorgio Armani is the Architecture for Dogs exhibition partner, and has created a dog-oriented capsule collection in collaboration with Poldo Dog Couture. The collection blends touches of luxury with practical design in such items as harnesses, leashes, beds, coats and travel mats. The line-up is available at the Giorgio Armani website, with prices starting at $210.
Design Recalls Traditional Japanese Woodworking Techniques
Two notable Italian designers are featured in the Milan exhibit: Giulio Iacchetti and Piero Lissoni. Both have developed their designs in collaboration with Riva 1920, known for its eco wood furniture products.
Playful canine aviators will enjoy this “Hangar” design by Piero Lissoni. It’s built for adventurous Yorkiepoos. Photo courtesy of ADI Design Museum.
HIROSHI YODA
For Yorkiepoo aviation enthusiasts, Lissoni designed a habitat termed “Hanger,” styled as a mini airport hanger with a curved aluminum covering. A small patio-like ledge fronts the design, a hang out space from which to survey a backyard.
The design “fuels a sense of play, encouraging our furry friends to embark on countless adventures,” reads Lissoni’s design description. “Its construction, while resembling an airplane hangar, is a homage to traditional Japanese woodworking.” The dog house is built of plywood veneer and wood poles covered by curved aluminum. It weighs 8.6 kg.
A “Precious Pagoda” for Greyhounds. Photo courtesy of ADI Design Museum.
HIROSHI YODA
Iacchetti calls his design for greyhounds a “precious pagoda.” It recalls a Piero della Francesca fresco, “The Dream of Constantine,” that depicts Emperor Constantine slumbering in a camp tent. The circular design is “fitted with a soft red velvet cushion and surmounted by a soaring scarlet flag,” reads Iacchetti’s description. “A noble architecture for the noblest of dogs who, being chilly by nature, will be able to find the warmth he needs in this shelter.”
The pagoda is built of plywood veneer and wood poles, finished with a clear coat of varnish. It weighs 8.6 kg.
A design by Sou Fujimoto lets dogs hangout amid owners’ possessions.
Hiroshi Yoda
“No Dog, No Life!” by Sou Fujimoto consists of a grid-like structure with various levels for household objects. It’s designed for active breeds. The design is a “new architectural space meant to act as a framework within which humans and dogs can, as they live together, interact proactively,” Fujimoto said.
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