Japan House London unleashes Architecture for Dogs exhibition

Japan House London will be the first destination in Europe to exhibit the internationally acclaimed Architecture for Dogs. The exhibition was created and designed by Hara Kenya (Creative Director of MUJI), Nippon Design Center and the free exhibition features designs by world-class architects such as Sou Fujimoto, Kuma Kengo, Ban Shigeru and ItōToyō

Beagle House Interactive Dog House by MVRDV

Architecture for Dogs allows interaction with guests and dogs, with visitors becoming architects themselves creating new concepts and designs, as well as, dogs allowed free to roam and interact with the exhibits. In this unprecedented time, the exhibition is able to be visited at the Kensington High Street venue in person and through virtual experiences such as a 3D Tour, online talks and ‘live’ guided tours.

D-Tunnel by Kenya Hara

The exhibition features a collection of 16 architectural designs with concepts taking different dog breads into consideration, including Poodle, Bichon Frise and Beagle. Pets throughout lockdown have proved their value providing companionship and comfort to many isolated for long periods of time. Each designer created a different structure that would enable pet and owner to interact. Those that attend the exhibition will be able to download blueprints of the design and recreate them at home.

Konstantin Grcic designed a poodle mirror (above) as poodles are noted to love their own reflection. The poodle is noted as the only dog that can apparently recognise themselves in a mirror. Atelier Bow-Wow designed a ramp where a Daschund is able to make eye contact with its owner, despite restrictions of its short legs. “We thought about stairs, but their bodies are too long and they risk hurting their hips”, stated the architects explaining their folding slope design.

Wanmock by Torafu Architects

Japan House London is known for being a cultural center for the latest and best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology. Japan House London was one of the first institutions to reopen its doors to the public in the UK on Thursday 9th July. Visitors are welcomed back to explore the Ground Floor, the first space to reopen in accordance with the UK covid Government guidelines, with newly introduced safety measures in place.

Architecture for Dogs will run from 19th September 2020 until 10th January 2021.

For more information on Architecture for Dogs  visit  www.japanhouselondon.uk  or  https://architecturefordogs.com