DOG CITY. Animal shelter

DOG CITY. Animal shelter

City vs. prison

In many animal shelters, the spatial configuration responds mainly to economic considerations, resulting in closed and oppressive spaces: dark corridors and small cages that limit the freedom of the animals. Faced with this model, we propose a radically different vision: a center that is not a prison, but a city, a place of life. Our approach is based on the idea of ​​creating an open space, resembling an urban system in which animals not only have the opportunity to move freely, but also to interact with the environment and with people. The spaces, conceived as squares, will be visually interconnected, allowing the animals to perceive the outside world, while people visiting the center can, in turn, observe and connect with them in a more direct and empathetic way.

These spaces will be visited only by staff, creating a controlled and safe environment. The dogs will be organized in shifts, according to their needs and state of health, so that they can enjoy the outdoors and an enriched environment as much as possible. Thus, we seek not only the physical well-being of the animals, but also to stimulate their socialization, vitality and spirit.

House vs Cage

Within this new configuration, we plan to replace the traditional metal or brick enclosures that limit the mobility of the animals, with a more flexible and humane system. Inspired by the classic doghouse, that common symbol of the relationship between the animal and its home, we designed prefabricated modules optimized for mass production. These repeatable modules offer a practical and efficient solution, which allows not only to adapt to space needs over time, but also to modify its distribution and capacity with ease. Thus, the center becomes a living organism, which can grow, adapt and reconfigure itself according to the demands and number of animals.

The construction system is modular, using prefabricated reinforced concrete which, thanks to a single mould, allows the creation of different types of pieces with small variations. This system guarantees simple and economical expansion, and the possibility of reconfiguring the “kennels” and “boxes” without difficulty, making the centre a flexible and dynamic place. The vision is that these modules are not just isolated structures, but that, when combined with playgrounds, they form a network of “houses” that, when aligned next to each other, make up an authentic “city of dogs”. A place where animals are not locked up, but move, play and interact as in a community.

Modularity and Flexibility

The system of facilities is also designed to be easily modifiable, pre-dimensioned to adapt to any type of need. Through galvanized steel frames with electro-welded mesh, exterior separations, accesses and individual patios are created for each house. With just four models of these frames, diverse configurations can be created, adapted to the specific needs of the dogs and the available space. By attaching an outdoor patio to each module, we ensure that each animal has the optimal surface area for its stay, allowing each one to have its own shelter without giving up the possibility of exploring, moving around and enjoying the environment.