unleashed a new dog shelter design Sarah Rene’ Groce INTD Capstone Spring 2021
University of Cincinnati / DAAP
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project abstract
The Coronavirus pandemic affected everyone. Many felt disconnected + isolated from others, as the entire nation was encouraged to quarantine to help stop the spread. During this unprecedented time, people began seeking ways to combat loneliness. It became popular to adopt and foster shelter dogs, in an effort to fulfill a companionship void. The heavy traffic to animal shelters resulted in record breaking adoption numbers, as shelters were emptied nationwide. Adopting or fostering a dog often allows for rewarding and overwhelmingly positive results, yet why does the overall experience of visiting a dog shelter feel depressing + negative? How can design professionals modernize animal shelters so that visiting becomes enjoyable for multiple reasons, not just the traditional “in and out” visit to select a pet?
doggy dilemma 03
benefits
breakthrough of pet + people relationships
reduces stress + lowers blood pressure + provides emotional support + alleviates fatigue + increases happiness + cognitive function + decreases feelings of loneliness + helps facilitate social interaction + provides companionship + encourages physical activity + aids in faster recovery after surgery + teaches responsibility + enhances overall mood + brings out feelings of love
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dogs offer a healthy form of distraction + can offer a momentary break of relief during hard times. 07
cubicles + cages the stagnant timeline of animal shelters
Less than a decade ago the typical cubicle workspace was designed for isolation and containment. Those walls have been removed and employees reap the benefits of a new office design. This has allowed for a more collaborative, emotionally connected, and technologically advanced shift in workspace interaction. Why has there been a drastic advancement in the office, yet little break-though in modifying the environment for shelter dogs?
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problematic conditions the grim reality of animal shelters
While one out of every two Americans express interest in adopting a dog, negative perceptions about overall shelter conditions and the welfare of shelter pets continue. Each year, millions of deserving dogs enter animal shelters and never have the opportunity to find their forever homes. These loving animals become accustomed to a life of separation and anxiety. They often live in unsanitary conditions, are not able to move freely in their cages, have little to no exposure to daylight, and receive little positive human interaction. These conditions are hard to witness and continue to drive people away.
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solution create an environment that celebrates the unique bond / benefits between pets and people.
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provide space that will allow the dogs to more easily adapt to life outside of the cage.
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improve community relations and encourage interaction within the new shelter.
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play lau project goals: create a highly activated interior experience and outdoor space + incorporate creativity and interactive fun + provide a haven for the community to connect and support.
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who will reside at unleashed unleashed? healthy shelter dogs with up to date medical records
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shelter dogs who are ready to be socialized with humans and find their forever home.
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who will visit
unleashed?
People who are out and about in the area and looking for additional things to do
+ Potential adopters seeking to connect with a dog in a welcoming space
+ Locals who may not be able to adopt a dog, but still seek the benefits of a pet /people relationship
+ People using technology to make connections in their neighborhood.
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concepts
culture + community
outdoors + greenspace
play + ponder
technology + connection
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market proposal :
dublin, ohio 43017
The graphics above represent how people spend their time in Dublin. Left: a group of friends walk over the Dublin Link, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. Right: cycling on a bike path; walking a dog; shopping; catching up with a friend on a patio; kids playing together and a parent sending a child off to school.
Enterprising Professionals
Bright Young Professionals
Professional Pride
Average Household Size: 2.48
Average Household Size: 2.41
Household Size: 3.13
Median Age: 35
Median Age: 33
Median Age: 41
Household Income: $86,600
Household Income: $54,000
Household Income: $138,100
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location bridge Dublin, Oh
park
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dublin library 75 N. High Street, Dublin, OH 43017
With thoughtful landscape design and active public spaces, the Dublin Branch library brings an urban center of gravity to a rapidly densifying suburb of Columbus, Ohio. In keeping with the transition of libraries in general, it is more than a place of quiet introspection, but also a place to meet, socialize, study, hang out and plug in. Approximately 41,000 square feet + designed for community gatherings.
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path of travel
experiential diagram
color key - make profile make match first date happily ever after
spatial diagrams
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hot zones
playful programming
+ flex space Spaces are designed with the premise of a high coefficient of gathering areas. Outside the physical space, online collaboration is becoming increasingly common and people are encouraged to connect with others through apps. Studio space will be utilized to fulfill activities such as Dog Yoga, Paws + Paint, Wednesday Walkers, Pet Training, + Yappy Hour.
existing plans
proposed plan wash
safe haven studio reading
indoor patio
backyard
room
creative corner
outdoor patio womens
mens
back of house
large open collaborative space
interactive greeting entrance from library dog-proof vestibule
entrance from main street
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rendered first
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floor
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3
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2 1
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1 - entrance 2 - greeting area + kiosk 3 - small grass zone 4 - indoor patio 5 - hand wash station 6 - studio space 7 - reading room 8 - huddle room 9 - large grass zone 10 - date zones 11 - outdoor patio 12 - outdoor kiosk
rendered second
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floor
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13 - sky bridge walkway 14 - dog rooms 15 - kiosk / meet + greet zone 16 - wall of dogs 17 - adoption center 18 - adoption offices 19 - back of house
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experiential modes
step one - make profile
step two - make match
step three - first date
step four - happily ever after 37
look + feel
key materiality wood
Perforated panels with acoustic backing improve the sound quality and reduce reverberation time within a space. Panels are installed both horizontally and vertically throughout. The natural flow of the wood textures in the space correlates with the wind and water that represent the adjacent Scioto river and the Dublin Link bridge.
grass
The mounds are constructed for a number of activities: dog park; seating area; informal playground. Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. The grass elements will add excitement through sight + touch.
stone
While driving through the historic neighborhood of downtown Dublin, one cannot help but notice the stonework that mimics those in Dublin, Ireland. The natural supply of limestone in this area has provided abundant material for stone fences and houses.
sit + stay
wood wall
grass lounge
stone park scape
start your journey the
app
will
facilitate
a
collaborative approach to increase exposure + engagement with the animal shelter. It will be the overlaying canopy that will provide a safe environment with resources for friends, neighbors + dogs to connect. modern day technology has allowed a simple solution for people to stay connected.
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set your preferences
bark mode Finding a compatible four legged friend is easy when it’s based on behavior + lifestyle factors. Now the dog you fall in love with is more likely to be a dog you can truly live with.
balance mode Being a dog lover is a big part of one’s identity + it makes sense for a potential significant other to share the same love of our four legged friends.
buddy mode Research shows that humans do not have the high levels of oxytocin that dogs naturally have. Dogs are infinitely social and share their space. Humans aren’t always as good at that. Sometimes we need a little encouragement to branch out and connect.
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profiles Early and frequent socialization helps improve a dog’s ability to interact with others. Therefore, individualized doggy profiles will be created by staff members to best represent each dog’s personality.
quizzes
How flexible is your work schedule? Would you rather spend your weekends watching movies alone or hiking with friends? Questions like these will aid in a successful match for a potential pet or new friend.
events
Utilization of a flex space will be key in helping the community to engage + explore. Signing up upon arrival is quick and easy. Hot events include Dog Yoga, Paws + Paint, Wednesday Walkers, Pet Training, and Yappy Hour.
arrive + check in
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make profile
l animal e of the
meet match
first date
happily ever after
exterior view from North H
High Street
image + research sources 01 black dog peeping - elkevogelsang.com 03 black turtleneck + high five + dog on laptop - dogtime.com - ursula aitchison - instagram.com/wildone
05 pitbull photoshoot - elkevogelsang.com 07 happy pinscher dog - elkevogelsang.com 09 cubicles + cages - wired.com, salwan georges - the washington post via getty images
11 spaniel in cage - pixabay by alexas _ fotos 13 playful dog park - pinterest 15 play laugh heal - instagram.com/haleyrynnringophoto - pinterest 17 facetime + peek-a-boo - reddit.com - vsco.com/johnson-hailey 19 who will visit - instagram.com/wildone - lightfieldstudios - istockphoto.com - thespruce.com
21 concepts - thepaws.net, karen flores - highline.org - geekwire.com, monica guzman - pdpaola.com
23 dublin market - instagram.com/bridgeparkdublin 25 bridgepark - mkskstudios.com - bridgestreet.dublinohiousa.gov 27 dublin library - nbbj.com, sean airhart 39 look + feel - reproduction, hiroyuki oki - dezeen.com, airbnb london - archdaily.com - dailytouslesjours.com - officelovin.com - curbed.com
61 happy dog - elkevogelsang.com
thank you.
Sarah Rene’ Groce unleashed srgroce@gmail.com
INTD Capstone Spring 2021 BS of Interior Design University of Cincinnati / DAAP