INTENDED ADAPTIVE REUSE PROPOSAL

Focusing on how animal shelter design inflicts a deteriorative environment and can promote unnecessary aggressive behaviour in some dogs, the scheme will use essences of calming architecture to provide a rehabilitative, health-giving environment for the select animals that cannot cope in shelters. The building would not only provide a space for recovery, I aim to explore into the healing qualities of animal / human interaction, alongside having strong links to the community, e.g. through therapeutic and volunteering opportunities. As this scheme would most probably be a non-profit organisation (as kennels receive minimal funding), ideally I aim to compose a scheme of which is as self-dependant as possible (once constructed) using sustainable, energy saving methods in terms of e.g. water supplies, ventilation and materials used. Due to better access to a garden space, the Model Farmhouse is the ideal site, yet if inaccessible the neighbouring barn complex is equally as ideal in terms of more available floor space. This decision is yet to be finalised.

 

END USER

Misunderstood dogs who cannot cope in a kennel environment and associated caring staff, local re-homing shelters including Wood Green Animal Shelter located in Huntingdon, veterinarians, local community through personal or company-arranged volunteering, potential adopters, Dog’s Trust, RSPCA and local charities for therapeutic experiences through animal contact with the safe, behaviourally approved dogs.

 

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

At present, my scheme is subject to change based on further research and design development. Nonetheless, based on my findings within this Research Project, activities to encourage mental stimulation, behavioural training, behavioural therapy, walking and exercising the dogs will occur. Similarly, linking to the newly discovered information from my analysis, I plan to integrate a scheme for volunteers at the community, potentially revolving around pet therapy or 'own a pet day', provoking enjoyment from the community whilst subtly aiding the dog process of rehabilitation through frequent socialisation and being accustomed to different people.

 

Full time staff would work here do undertake the daily activities of cleaning, walking, administration, for example.