Architects for Animals “Giving Shelter” exhibit is back, and as innovative as ever


Los Angeles-based architects and designers create one-of-a-kind outdoor shelters for the city’s stray cats in the Architects for Animals "Giving Shelter" exhibit - all as part of a fundraiser for FixNation


Los Angeles-based architects and designers were invited to design, built and donate functional, one-of-a-kind outdoor shelters for the city’s stray cats as part of a fundraiser for FixNation, a non-profit that provides free spay/neutering services for homeless cats.

The exhibit was displayed in a cocktail reception at the HermanMiller Showroom in Culver City, which was hosted by Architects for Animals. The designs will be auctioned online to raise money for FixNation.

FixNation’s cause is particularly vital in LA; the area has one of the largest populations of homeless cats in the US (estimated between 1 -3 million). Participating design firms this year included Kollin Altomare Architects; Stantec; Standard Architecture | Design; and a collaborative project from Formation Association, Terremoto Landscape and Arktura.

Read on to find out more about the 13 shelter designs:
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White Jack, by Abramson Teiger Architects


Photo credit: Meghan Bob Photography

Designed as a bigger version of the pronged ‘Jack’ toy, three white tubes cross at a central point and form this shelter. Cats can climb through the tubes and interact with their habitat whilst being sheltered from the elements.
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Ball of Twine, by Abramson Teiger Architects


Photo credit: Meghan Bob Photography

Another design which plays with scale, this shelter makes a usually small ball of twine larger than the cat that will play with it. The structure has an opening for cats to climb inside, and some free twine that has been attached means the cats are free to amuse themselves.
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CallisonRTKL


Photo credit: Meghan Bob Photography

Inspired by the safety and peace of cathedrals, this shelter includes colourful glass windows and a miniature disco ball.  It was designed to be a hideaway for cats whilst offering them the chance to observe the space around them.
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D3 Architecture


Photo credit: Meghan Bob Photography

Sourcing discarded HVAC equipment found on the streets, this design reflects the environment feral cats find themselves in. The twisting tunnels and passageways lead to a bed suspended in the middle of the structure, offering a safe resting place for weary cats.
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Meow Miaow, by Es-En-Em


Photo credit: Meghan Bob Photography

Made for both indoor and outdoor use, this bright orange structure is designed to be flat-packed and easily movable. The origami-inspired shelter provides enough space for multiple cats inside it and could also be used as a piece of furniture.
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Flora-Gato, by Formation Association, Terremoto Landscape and Arktura


Photo credit: Meghan Bob Photography

Both a shelter for cats or a seat for human volunteers, this shelter is made with Spanish moss and Korean grass that are packed between recycled plastic ribs. A safe space for the cats lies inside the den-like interior, where the fauna above regulates the temperature.
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