THE ARCHITECTURE FOR DOGS 2024 EXHIBITION, INITIATED BY KENYA HARA, IS A PROJECT THAT EXPLORES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANS, DOGS AND ARCHITECTURE THROUGH WORKS THAT AIM TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PETS
TEXT: PANYAPORN SANPRADIT
PHOTO: HIROSHI YODA EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
After its debut in Japan in 2012, Architecture for Dogs, a project initiated by Kenya Hara, has been showcased in various cities worldwide. The latest Architecture for Dogs edition has arrived in Italy, with added elements reflecting Italian design sensibilities.

Architecture for The Bichon Frise by Kazuyo Sejima
Architecture for Dogs is a creative project that explores the relationship between humans, dogs, and architecture. The exhibition invites renowned architects and designers to rethink the role of architecture in improving the quality of life for pets, moving beyond traditional dog spaces.
After a successful reception in London in 2020, this exhibition was launched in Milan, featuring new works by Italian designers such as Piero Lissoni and Giulio Iacchetti, alongside a collection of works by famous architects and designers from around the world, such as Atelier Bow-Wow, Hiroshi Naito, Kazuyo Sejima, MVRDV, Reiser + Umemoto, Sou Fujimoto, Torafu Architects, and Toyo Ito. In this Italian edition, the project collaborates with Giorgio Armani and Poldo Dog Couture to present dog fashion and design, bridging the gap between human-centered and dog-centric design.

I See You! by Asif Khan | Photo: Jeremie Souteyrat
Some of the new works in this Italian edition include Asif Khan’s ‘I See You!’ – an architecture designed for dogs with black fur. The design is a seamless wool surface halfway between a carpet and a low table, allowing dogs to explore their surroundings. The architecture follows the dog’s arc of discovery, starting with a soft rug and gradually becoming vertical and curved into a low table surface. A small crater at the top is a feature for the dog to nestle into and become the center of attention in the room.

COCOON by FGMF
The ‘COCOON’, designed by the Brazilian studio FGMF, is a unique design for Yorkshire Terriers, combining a soft, organic container with a rigid frame. It serves as a dog’s hideout and a table for its human companion, creating a transition space between the privacy of a house and the city around it. The thin frame provides a buffer between the cocoon and the human territory, creating a sense of safety and coziness. The cocoon is made of laser-cut cardboard wrapped in cozy fabric and can be made of felt, neoprene, knitting, or any other fabric the dog would feel comfortable in. The outer frame can be easily hand-mounted from steel pipes, and additional guitar tuning pegs and steel strings provide traction for the cocoon inside the frame. The ‘COCOON’ can host one or two dogs in different layouts in the same frame.

Dog Pavillion by Giulio Iacchetti

Niku Rug by Ma Yansong
Giovanni Iacchetti designed a Dog Pavillion for an Italian greyhound, resembling Piero della Francesca’s fresco. The circular structure features a soft red velvet cushion and a soaring scarlet flag, providing warmth for the dog’s chilly nature. This noble architecture is perfect for the Italian greyhound’s needs.
Ma Yansong’s design for Labrador Retriever focuses on a meat-shaped rug, with different shapes and patterns for each one in the set.

Hangar by Piero Lissoni
The ‘Hangar’ dog house by Piero Lissoni for YORKIEPOO is a cozy retreat designed for playful canine aviators. Crafted to resemble a miniature airplane hangar, it offers a safe and welcoming space for dogs to ‘land’ after their adventures. The design fuels a sense of play, encouraging furry friends to embark on countless adventures. Inside, the ‘Hangar’ provides a secure spot for pets to unwind and recharge, serving as their hideaway. The construction, while resembling an airplane hangar, is a homage to traditional Japanese woodworking. The curved roof and large cushion for resting provide a cozy interior, while the extended platform allows space for food and water bowls.
The exhibition was held at the ADI Design Museum in Milan from December 3, 2024, to February 16, 2025. The museum embraces inclusivity by allowing dogs into the space, offering a culturally enriched experience.
Read an article on Architecture for Dogs in art4d 199