Seven student projects designed with animals in mind

Dezeen School Shows: we've selected seven student projects that feature in Dezeen School Shows that are designed around animals and pets.

These undergraduate and postgraduate students have created design solutions including interiors, buildings, urban schemes and products that address the wellbeing and behaviour of animals.

Specific design considerations have to be made when designing for animals due to their particular needs and habits. Projects that feature in this roundup include a harness for humans to wear when walking their dogs, a school that incorporates farm animals including horses, and a city farm that aims to provide rehabilitation for both animals and people.

These projects are developed by students enrolled on product design, architecture and interior design courses at international such as Istituto Marangoni London, University of Westminster, Middlesex University, University of New South Wales, Manchester School of Architecture, and Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.

Animal Aided Design by Evie Boyce and Catherine Westhead

Landscape and architecture students Evie Boyce and Catherine Westhead designed a project that addresses climate and biodiversity concerns in urban areas by "de-centering" humans.

The concept, based in Stockport, protects the bee population while facilitating human-nature interactions.

"We extend our collaborative ethos to more-than-human actors, redefining our engagement with the environment as a multi-voiced or polyphonic narrative," Boyce and Westhead said.

"By de-centering humans, we act in humanity's best interests."

Students: Evie Boyce and Catherine WestheadSchool: Manchester School of ArchitectureCourse: MArch Atelier SKN

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Farm Therapy by Nigar Hasanzade

Interior design student Nigar Hasanzade designed a therapy centre that provides rehabilitation for animals as well as people.

Formerly mistreated farm animals are provided with comfort and sanctuary, while visitors with diagnosed mental and physical health issues are soothed by interacting with the creatures.

"Four key services are proposed – a veterinary clinic, formal and informal therapy spaces and a city farm," said Hasanzade.

"Fields and grazing paths enable the animals to interact with each visitor, creating a health service that seeks to provide support through alternative, qualitative interaction."

Student: Nigar HasanzadeSchool: Middlesex UniversityCourse: MA Interiors

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Metro Hands Free Dog Leash and Dog Walker Fanny Pack by Derin Avunduk

Product design student Derin Avunduk created a hands-free dog leash that aims to make dog walking smoother.

The wearable crossbody harness is designed to facilitate walking multiple dogs.

"Sometimes walking a dog can be tough, especially if you are walking multiple dogs at once," said Avunduk. "For dog sitters, there is no product on the market that has been created to make the walking experience easier and better."

Student: Derin AvundukSchool: Istituto Marangoni LondonCourse: BA Design for Products

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Here be Mawoolies: Architecture behind the regeneration of the River Thames by Asena Koksal

Architecture student Asena Koksal's project imagines London in 1000 years' time, where people interact with wooly mammoths that "shore up" the river banks of the Thames via grazing activity.

Here be Mawoolies focuses on an expansive civic building that houses a theatre and can accomodate both human beings and Mawoolies alike.

"This project brings back the epic Woolly Mammoth to London to help regenerate the Thames ecosystem," said Koksal. "A master plan extends the cultural programmes of south London into Woolwich and features Mawooly paths where the genetically-engineered creatures shore up the river's edge through grazing and traversing."

"Joyfully vibrant and inclusive for all – even for a herd of gigantic mammals – the building celebrates the Mawoolies as they become co-inhabitants of not only the building but also of Woolwich itself."

Student: Asena KoksalSchool: University of WestminsterCourse: Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA Part II)

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White Bay Virtuquarium by Sandra Srun

As part of her interior design course, student Sandra Srun designed an unconventional aquarium that features digital exhibits and houses a marine research lab and coral farm.

White Bay Virtuquarium eliminates the need for displaying captive creatures while allowing visitors to learn about sea creatures and the environmental issues facing marine environments.

"It aims to revitalise and renew Gadigal and Wangal Water Country with a wider goal to establish sustainable education and immediate action in the face of climate change," said Srun.

"Breaking away from traditional aquariums and formal lab spaces, the Virtuquarium is a meeting point, connecting the community more closely to nature and country and bringing together cultural, community and professional knowledge."

Student: Sandra SrunSchool: University of New South WalesCourse: Interior Architecture (Honours)

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Our Farm by Joshua Dalsan

During his architecture studies, Joshua Dalsan envisioned a scheme for the adaptive reuse of a Victorian school building, incorporating farm animals into both the building and the curriculum.

Horses, sheep, goats and other animals form nearby city farms will aid in the children's education, and the building will facilitate their care and physical incorporation into the classrooms.

"Eventually, sheep will teach maths and PE will indeed be horse riding, but for now, students will learn to have their lunchtime with goats," said Dalsan.

"Our process follows chance operations, including the making of 1:1 technical drawings and fragments using recycled materials."

Student: Joshua DalsanSchool: University of WestminsterCourse: Architecture BA

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A Round of A-Paws by Melany McGillvray

Interior design student Melany McGillvray aimed to make the process of taking a pet for medical treatment less stressful for both pet and owner by rethinking the layout of veterinary waiting areas.

In this project, species of pets are separated to reduce stress and there are opportunities for socialisation and play, allowing animals to relax before entering examination rooms.

"The process of taking a pet to an animal hospital can be extremely stressful and may lead to long-lasting psychological and behavioural problems," said Gillvray. "Many pet owners choose to avoid the stress by delaying or forgoing treatment entirely, even when the animal is sick or injured."

"The concept of meandering animal circulation dictated the shape and profile of the dividing waiting room wall and animal size, behavior, and preferences were considered when selecting and proportionally scaling furniture, materials and finishes."

Student: Melany McGillvraySchool: Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at the George Washington UniversityCourse: Interior Architecture MFA

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Partnership content

These projects are presented in school shows from institutions that partner with Dezeen. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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