City vs jail
In contraposition to the usual animal shelters, which base their configuration exclusively in terms that impact on an optimization of space from a purely economic point of view, and that end up becoming a series of dark corridors with small enclosures for animals , we intend to create a center that resembles more an open urban system. The creation of visually connected free spaces will facilitate not only the recreation of animals but the visit of people who want to adopt one of them.
These spaces, which function as squares, will be visually connected with each other and may only be crossed by the staff. The dogs will normally be organized in shifts according to the species and the state of health, so that they can enjoy the outer space as long as possible.
House vs Cage
Within this more friendly setting of the shelter, we consider the replacement of the classic metal or brick enclosures for animals with a new device. To generate them we start from the classic doghouse that we all easily recognize as the basis to produce prefabricated modules optimized for mass production. These repeatable modules allow the center to be modified at any time, avoiding the sacrifice of animals due to lack of space, or even moving from one place to another depending on the needs. An optimized prefabricated and modular reinforced concrete construction system is proposed, allowing the addition of modules according to the center's expansion needs in a very simple and fast way. A single mold would be manufactured which, with minor modifications when it comes to the concrete phase, would generate the different models that will end up being the desired 'dog houses' . They would be arranged next to each other and through the courtyards, making up the 'city of dogs'.
The infrastructure system is also easily modifiable, pre-dimensioning it appropriately for the maximum possible occupancy. Galvanized steel frames with electro-welded mesh create the exterior separations, access and courtyards for each dog house. With only four models, very diverse configurations are obtained and, attaching an outdoor patio, each dog can have an optimal surface for his stay.
Total area: 1500 square meters
Slabs surface: 670 square meters
Access Courtyards
Courtyard 1 – 100 square meters
Courtyard 2 – 70 square meters
Courtyard 3 – 140 square meters
A. Cat shelters – 16 square meters
B. View point
C. Reception, office and access to viewpoint - 10.9 square meters
D. Biomass boiler and facilities – 4 square meters
E. Outdoor loading silo for pellets - 1.4 square meters
F. Warehouse - 7.1 square meters
G. Veterinary Clinic - 16.8 square meters
H. Shelter yard
150 dog houses
60% Small size
1.5 x 0.85 m
Courtyard 2 x 0.85 m
40% Big size
1.5 x 1.5 m
Courtyard 2 x 1.5 m