Detail Terrain

My Cat Tree!

Children at Play

Presentation Charette & Final Site/Floor Plan

Precis 5

Threshold

Interior & Exterior framing by columns.

Breath In, Breath Out

Here we have an image of a conservatory, an excellent way to engage the indoors with the out. The view of course is breath taking, relaxing, and revitalizing of our inner instincts with nature. In all areas of my design, I hope to somehow incorporate this emotion to give the Guilford County Animal Shelter a healthy image.

I see "threshold" opportunities in this image, especially by the use of gates framed by an oversized wall. The viewer is standing inside with an open invitation to experience the beautiful "outdoors."

Schematic: Cat Atrium Interior

Before I list the details of this drawing, I would like to explore the design possibilities of the cat atrium.

Q. There is current argument that shelter animals should each have their own room, inside.
A1. First I would like to remind one that this is a shelter, where operations function primarily from volunteer workers. Because this shelter is no longer owned by the county, is privately owned, the shelter does not receive financial help from the government and therefore must rely on goodwill, donors, and sponsors.

A2. Second, I would like to stress the relationship of an unorganized facility with its nonfunctional design that promotes a poorly maintained & unhealthy facility.

A3. One plus Two equals the Third, having individual rooms for each animal is ideal and luxurious, but simplicity and economical is the primary goal. Also keep in mind by having individual rooms and incorporating the cleaning staff circulation rounds...this could potentially eliminate the ever so important window factor!! Windows could be compromised for storage and clean up space...

Now I am starting to question myself. I'm not sure which is the best answer...individual "cages" that have the opportunity to explore into the atrium jungle with other cats...or individual rooms that house a group of cats?

Perhaps my best solution is to meet with my contact, Dana, at the GCAS and ask her opinion.

To be further investigated...


"I am now inside the cat atrium, and my direct line of sight is a miniature atrium housed with cat trees and toys. The cats seem to be having fun and are highly stimulated with each other and with the view. Looking past the atrium, the view extends to some trees with birdhouses and bird feeders—no wonder the cats are so excited! On a beautiful day like today, the atrium window can be open to the fresh outdoors…and that’s about one inch closer the cats can be to those birds! Beyond the miniature cat atrium and surrounding cages is this textured reed grass wall. An excellent choice of material considering cats love to sink their claws into reeds, and it helps for me too as it absorbs sound and has a nice earthy and farm-like feel of hay mows."

Schematic: Entry Way

This is a more developed facade of what was posted below.


+Stained concrete pathway: SoyCrete Acid-Alternative
+CMU block wall construction
+CMU textured block finish (original)
+Stained concrete "plaster" walls
+Storefront Aluminum Doors
+Operable windows: awning & double-hung
+Cupolas! Must be inter-designed with windows
+NC friendly trees: drought resistant, easy to grow, easy to maintain, deciduous & coniferous

"Upon approaching the main entry, my eyes take note of my surroundings. I can see a glimpse of a large polygonal building hidden behind deciduous and coniferous trees, filtering dog barks and the accompanying odors. The sight relaxes me, especially the variety of rich dark evergreens, saturated maples of red, green, and yellow leaves, and the white burst of dogwood florals to remind me of our beautiful state of North Carolina. Extending from the polygonal building I see a breezeway, which surely must appreciate the same view of abundant trees, leading my eyes to the main gable front entry. The shape is very simple and completely symmetrical, reminding me of a child’s typical drawing of a house—a farmhouse, at that. The entry façade is supported with exposed cool grey cinderblock walls, alleviated with a light warm brown plastered center, and accented with bright red windows, doors, and cupolas. The exposure to raw materials makes me feel healthy and grounded, especially when I look down to see this beautiful stained and textured concrete walkway that pulls together all materials and sights."

Schematic : Overall Idea

In this rendering, I have assembled my research in an overall idea. The bottom right is the visitor parking. Once parked, the visitor approaches the main entry, which is showcased with a front steep pitched gable. Recessed in the back are the breezeway passages, connecting on the left to the cat atrium and to the left leads into the dog kennel polygon. The overall style is farmhouse, the cupolas above each major area is per ventilation research, all windows are operable, materials must be impervious to moisture as per code: concrete floors, CMU textured wall construction (original), slate alternative roofing, and NC-friendly trees.

Schematic Floor Plan [see post below]

The existing structure is the backward "L" block near the center, with the existing employee parking lot to the far left and the existing driveway along the bottom edge. In the center of the "L" block, I have added what will become the new main lobby/reception/entry for all visitors. Once checked-in, one can choose to go left toward the cat atrium or one can choose to go to the right and enter the dog kennels. Notice the breezeways that connect these spaces...especially the simple geometry as that of functionalists & farmhouses. The key to farmhouse design is simplicity and function, where life thrives from occupants (animals & people) upon its beautiful landscape.

I'm excited to say that I will be using "farmhouse" style and barns as my "concept!"

Cat Atrium

I have been exploring the many possible configurations for the cat zone. Currently, cats are caged in two separate rooms 24/7. I will propose to change this, creating an area for healthy cats to play and interact within a "jungle" setting--like, cat trees, vertical elements, and other features that stimulate feline characteristics.

Another possibility for the jungle, only in this model, the atrium is dominating in size and scale. Group interaction and playtime will prevail per the opportunity. Alternatively, this configuration can be adjusted per size and scale so that individual cages and the jungle area are equally balanced.

For materials and code per the Animal Welfare Act, surfaces have to be impervious to moisture. Currently, my material of choice is porcelain. Porcelain is a commercial grade tile that comes in a variety of finishes, textures, and colors. Grouts can be impervious by using sandless grout or a 1:1 epoxy grout--highly recommended. For acoustical control and cat preference, I'd like to incorporate some natural materials like reeds or coir--cat scratch heaven! This material looks promising, as such grasses are unable to absorb are highly resistant. I could use this on walls or on cat trees! Longevity and sanitation are issues for such a high volume of cats, can oils from cats' nails be harmful? If so, this material could be applied to intangible surfaces like the ceiling or high walls.

Cat Atrium

I have been exploring the many possible configurations for the cat zone. Currently, cats are caged in two separate rooms 24/7. I will propose to change this, creating an area for healthy cats to play and interact within a "jungle" setting--like, cat trees, vertical elements, and other features that stimulate feline characteristics. In this sketch model, the individual cages are in the back with the jungle in the front.