Concept
Architecture for Dogs is a visionary and multidisciplinary exhibition dedicated to man’s best friend. For the first time in Italy, and in its second European edition following the 2020 London showcase, the exhibition is being presented in a brand-new version featuring two new Italian-designed architectures by Piero Lissoni and Giulio Iacchetti. These pieces are crafted by Riva 1920, in line with the company’s tradition of ecological and sustainable production.
Curated by Kenya Hara, an internationally renowned Japanese designer and artistic director of Muji, the exhibition explores architecture and design as tools to examine the relationships between living beings and the built environment. It moves away from the traditional concept of functional spaces for pets and their humans, reimagining them as expressions of shared living.
The exhibition showcases ramps, cushions, mats, and benches designed to provide furry breeds with cool refuge from the heat, along with a vertical kennel that bridges the human and animal scale, allowing dogs to gaze directly into their owner’s eyes. Architecture for Dogs offers unconventional kennels and shelters tailored to the specific needs of different breeds, strengthening the bond between dogs and humans.
In the era of anthropocentrism, this project flips the paradigm of habitation: pets are no longer mere spectators of human spaces but become conscious protagonists, beneficiaries of designs shaped around their characteristics. It invites reflection on the concept of shared habitats. This initiative challenges conventions, creating an experimental space where “pet-tecture” — architecture for pets — takes on an artistic and critical role, encouraging audiences to reconsider this ancient relationship. It responds to a clear societal trend: in Italy, there are approximately 15 million pet dogs, and in Milan, one in two people has a pet. Reflecting this sentiment, the exhibition extends its dialogue to other design fields, such as fashion and textiles, with Giorgio Armani as a partner. In collaboration with Poldo Dog Couture, Armani has developed a capsule collection dedicated to four-legged friends, blending the iconic style of the renowned brand with functional designs.
The exhibition design, also by Hara, is presented as a fluid system of display islands, each illustrating a different interpretation of space and the symbiotic relationship between architecture and living beings. The constellation of works, created by internationally recognized names in contemporary architecture, goes beyond the simple kennel or functional space for dogs, exploring new forms of interaction. Through these architectures, the exhibition narrates possible stories of cohabitation, enriched by photographic and video insights. With their playful aspects and meticulous design, these projects evoke a sense of belonging and recognition for the dogs themselves, making design a bridge between animal and human sensitivity.
The inclusive nature of the project extends to public participation: anyone in the world can access the designs and instructions for these works by downloading them for free from the official website (https://architecturefordogs.com/). Users can then build these architectures, adapting them to their dog’s needs. This participatory approach reinforces the project’s inclusive character, offering the opportunity to experience and reinterpret the creativity on display, fostering a global community that interprets, builds, and shares.
Architecture for Dogs finds in Milan a particularly receptive and aligned context. It not only addresses a deep affection in a playful and unconventional way but also raises complex questions about design as an inclusive language that respects the nature and diversity of its recipients. The ADI Design Museum positions itself as a hub for research and dialogue encompassing all dimensions of contemporary life, both human and, in this case, animal. It is one of the few museums in Milan and Italy to allow dogs into its exhibition spaces, enabling shared enjoyment in a welcoming cultural environment.
Co-founders:
Imprint Lab / Intertrend
Curated by:
Hara Design Institute,
Nippon Design Center, Inc.
Director:
Kenya HARA
Architects and Dog Breeds:
- Asif Khan: Dogs with Black Fur
- Atelier Bow-Wow: Dachshund Smooth
- FGMF: Yorkshire Terrier
- Giulio Iacchetti: Italian Greyhound
- Haruka Misawa: Japanese Terrier
- Hiroshi Naito: Spitz
- Kazuyo Sejima: Bichon Frisé
- Kengo Kuma: Pug
- Kenya Hara: Teacup Poodle
- Konstantin Grcic: Toy Poodle
- Ma Yansong: Labrador Retriever
- MVRDV: Beagle
- Piero Lissoni: Yorkiepoo
- Reiser + Umemoto: Chihuahua
- Shigeru Ban: Papillon
- Sou Fujimoto: Boston Terrier
- Torafu Architects: Jack Russell Terrier
- Toyo Ito: Shiba
Photography and Video:
Courtesy of Hara Design Institute
Ph: Hiroshi Yoda
Motion Graphics:
Kenichi Hashimoto
Music by:
Suguru Yamaguchi
Exhibition Design and Graphics:
Hara Design Institute,
Nippon Design Center, Inc.
Supported by:
Imprint Culture Lab
Produced by:
ADI Design Museum
Exhibition Partner:
Giorgio Armani, Poldo Dog Couture
Special Thanks to:
Riva 1920
