Giulio Iachetti x Architecture for Dogs – All photos are by Hiroshi Yoda, courtesy of Milan’s ADI Design Museum.

Architecture. Milan’s Adi Design Museum celebrates humanity’s best friend with the Architecture for Dogs exhibition. The showcase, curated by renowned Japanese designer Kenya Hara, features a variety of designs—ramps, cushions, rugs, benches, and doghouses—tailored to the unique needs of different breeds while enhancing the bond with their owners.

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Doghouse by MVRDV.

Architecture for Dogs “explores how architecture and design can serve as a language shared by all living species,” explains Kenya Hara. “Dogs are not mere observers of human spaces but active participants. These inspiring designs cater specifically to their behaviours and needs.”

Doghouse byKenya Hara.

Kenya Hara and Atelier Bow-Wow designed vertical structures, enabling pets to look directly into their owner’s eyes. They represent a transition from a human-centred design model to a more inclusive and equal perspective.

Doghouse by Kengo Kuma.

Mount Pug by Kengo Kuma is a mesh-shaped ‘mountain’ made of thin, long plywood pieces. “Pugs are clever and mischievous. They’ll make full use of the mesh as their nest and plaything. Toys and snacks can also be hung on the mesh.” Sou Fujimoto reinterpreted his House NA project to create a cubic gridded kennel designed to store gadgets and toys as well.

Doghouse by Sou Foujimoto.

“For the little Italian greyhound, I thought of a precious pagoda fitted with a soft red velvet cushion and surmounted by a soaring scarlet flag.” Explains Giulio Iacchetti. “A noble architecture for the noblest of dogs.” Piero Lissoni designed a tubular, hangar-like doghouse for yorkiepoos. The Italian designers developed their concept kennels in collaboration with the design brand Riva 1920.

Doghouse by Piero Lissoni.

“Dog and architecture would become one” in Kazuyo Sejima‘s fluffy, cloud-like white kennel for her bichon frisé. Shigeru Ban created a playful maze for papillons using his signature cardboard tubes. MVRDV designed a playful rocking doghouse for beagles. Toyo Ito’s ‘doghouse for walks’ is a well-ventilated wooden basket for elderly pets, as well as for hot asphalt or rainy day strolls.

Doghouse by Shigeru Ban.

Can dogs recognise themselves in a mirror? Poodle owners would most likely agree! Konstantin Grcic created a beauty altar for one of the most intelligent breeds. “Our Jack Russell Terrier loves taking a nap on our clothes,” explains Torafu Architects. They devised a piece of furniture for the dog to inhabit that would incorporate the master’s clothes. Mad Architects’ Ma Yansong designed a meat-shaped rug.

Doghouse by Konstantin Grcic.

The exhibition partner, Giorgio Armani, unveiled a dog-centric capsule collection in collaboration with Poldo Dog Couture, fusing the fashion house’s signature style with functional pet designs. Architecture for Dogs also features ‘pet-tectures’ by Asif Khan, FGMF, Hiroshi Naito, and Reiser + Umemoto.

Doghouse by SANAA’s Kazuyo Sejima.

Architecture for Dogs embraces inclusivity and is open source. The exhibition’s website offers downloadable blueprints and design instructions. The ADI Design Museum stands out as one of the few museums in Milan and Italy that welcomes dogs.

Doghouse by Toyo Ito.

The project debuted at Design Miami in 2012. This is its second European edition, following a 2020 showcase in London.

Doghouse by Torafu Architects.

All photos are taken by Hiroshi Yoda, courtesy of the ADI Museum in Milan.

Doghouse by Mad Architects’ Ma Yansong.

Doghouse by Atelier Bow-Wow.