On January 5, 2021. I participated in the open submission, ‘Design your own architecture for a dog,’ at Japan House London. While their recent exhibition, Architecture for Dogs, cannot be viewed in person and can only be viewed virtually (please click here to view the exhibition), the design submission was a fun and exciting way to have the public participate during their closure caused by the Pandemic.

Architecture for Dogs is an exhibition conceived by the Creative Advisor of Japan House London, Hara Kenya. It showcases a series of habitats designed by a select group of well-known architect’s where each architect is assigned a specific dog and they use architecture to explore Scale and Relationship between the dog and their owner.

The design known as, Bonsai, was inspired by my friend Angela Huang’s scruffy companion: Lillibee — a 13 lb. schnauzer mix. She is considered a small dog, although her legs are quite long. She is capable of cracking pistachio nuts and eating the nut inside, jumping really high, and running far distances. She is also highly aware of her own abilities; at her home in Boulder, Colorado, she would occasionally jump on top of the wooden railing that surrounds the balcony looking over the 2-story view. I’ve never met a dog like Lillibee.

The idea behind this piece was to create a sculpture inspired by nature but also respond to the natural habits of this schnauzer mix. The dimensions for Bonsai is averaged at: 22 inches (L) x 20 inches (W) x 24.5 inches (H) — similar to a typical dining chair only by the combined measurements of the seat and legs (but no backrest). The reason why the design is restricted to these dimensions is so that it would be suited for indoor use and it will not obstruct the aesthetic view of the space. In other words, the design can function on its own even if the dog does not necessarily want to interact with it.

Ultimately, the goal is for Bonsai to serve multiple functions but with the intentional use for dogs like Lillibee.

On January 15, I noticed on Instagram that my design was picked by Rosa Rogina, Programme Director at London Festival of Architecture. I was so touched to have been chosen and am truly grateful to have been able to participate in this opportunity. It was an inspiring, eye-opening experience that was much needed — especially during such a difficult time.

Thank you very much to Japan House London and everyone involved in the exhibition, Architecture For Dogs. And thank you very much — Rosa Rogina, Programme Director at London Festival of Architecture — for choosing my design and showcasing it to your Instagram audience!