City vs. Prison
In many animal shelter centers, the spatial configuration primarily responds to economic considerations, resulting in closed and oppressive spaces: dark corridors and small cages that restrict the animals' freedom. In contrast to this model, we propose a radically different vision: a center that is not a prison but a city, a place of life. Our approach is based on the idea of creating an open space, resembling an urban system where animals not only have the opportunity to move freely but also to interact with their surroundings and people.

The spaces, conceived as plazas, are visually interconnected, allowing the animals to perceive the outside world while visitors to the center can observe and connect with them in a more direct and empathetic way.

These spaces are accessed only by staff, creating a controlled and safe environment. Dogs are organized in shifts according to their needs and health conditions so they can enjoy the outdoors and an enriched environment as much as possible. This approach aims not only to ensure the animals' physical well-being but also to stimulate their socialization, vitality, and spirit.

Home vs. Cage
Within this new configuration, we sought to replace the traditional metal or brick enclosures that limit the mobility of animals with a more flexible and humane system. Inspired by the classic doghouse—a common symbol of the relationship between a dog and its home—we designed prefabricated modules optimized for mass production. These repeatable modules offer a practical and efficient solution, allowing for adaptability to spatial needs over time and easy modifications to their distribution and capacity. Thus, the center becomes a living organism that can grow, adapt, and reconfigure itself according to demand and the number of animals.

The construction system is modular, using prefabricated reinforced concrete that, with a single mold, allows for the creation of different types of pieces with small variations. This system ensures easy and economical expansion and the ability to reconfigure the kennels and boxes without difficulty, making the center a flexible and dynamic place. The vision is for these modules to not just be isolated structures but, when combined with recreation yards, to form a network of "homes" that, when aligned together, create a true "dog city." A place where animals are not confined but can move, play, and interact as part of a communit

Modularity and Flexibility
The infrastructure system is also designed to be easily modifiable, pre-dimensioned to adapt to any need. Using galvanized steel frames with welded wire mesh, we create external partitions, access points, and individual yards for each home. With just four types of these frames, it is possible to create diverse configurations tailored to the specific needs of the dogs and the available space. By attaching an outdoor yard to each module, we ensure that every animal has an optimal surface for their stay, allowing each one to have their own shelter without losing the opportunity to explore, move, and enjoy their surroundings.