November 13, 2008
View from the Pet House
A charity auction that offers some serious creature comforts
While every dog has its day, it now seems some dogs have it made. This week the Animal Medical Center (AMC) unveiled Posh Pet Properties—architect-designed pet sanctuaries for pampered pooches, cats, and feathered friends. The non-profit animal hospital, which sees over 50,000 pet patients a year, will auction off the three fanciful structures inspired by the architects’ favorite projects or objects.
Left: William Pedersen and Trent Tesch with One Jackson Square Doghouse
Right: Closeup of curved entrance and ventilation holes
For the dog owner with a need to be green, William Pedersen and Trent Tesch of KPF created the One Jackson Square Doghouse. Modeled on the lobby of the eponymous Greenwich Village condo, the doghouse applies the same undulating CNC milling techniques. The organic round shape mimics a dog’s curled up nesting habit. It features a green roof—with any luck soon to be carpeted in sod from Yankee stadium—plus a drainage and ventilation system. “The point is that it is fun,” says Pedersen. “It was an extension of ideas we’d been working on.”
Sandi Pei poses with his birdhouse
A lucky bird with a yen for style will feel right at home in Sandi Pei’s birdhouse based on pavilions designed for Tianfu Square in Chengdu, China. The idea has root in the Chinese tradition of bringing birds in cages to hang out with their owners in the square. “Stylistically this is something I’m inclined to do, it’s derived from geometries,” explains Pei of the elegant stainless steel structure.
A sleek feline will love laying its claws onVoorsanger’s modern architecture
Bartholomew Voorsanger’s Cat’s Cradle is inspired by Harley Davidson motorcycles. Cats built for speed will like its sharp metal aesthetic and fur-covered steps. At the pinnacle of the kitty condo is a blinged-out fish for the cat who’s made it to the top.
Bids can currently be made on Ebay (bids start off at a hefty $20,000) and will conclude during a live auction at AMC’s Top Dog Gala on November 18.
