Studio Joseph Creates a Vibrant East Harlem Haven for a New York Animal Shelter

A Colorful Haven for Manhattan’s Furry Friends

In the heart of East Harlem, a onc-forgotten garage from the 1930s has been reborn as a beacon of hope for animals in need. The Animal Care centers of New York (ACC), the city’s largest animal shelter, transformed the dilapidated structure into a vibrant pet-adoption center, showcasing a unique blend of functionality, aesthetics, and animal welfare.

The project, spearheaded by New York-based Studio Joseph, required a delicate balancing act. The design team aimed to preserve the existing structure while incorporating modern amenities and creating a welcoming habitat for both animals and potential adopters. Wendy evans Joseph, principal of Studio Joseph, explained, “We considered tearing the building down, but the square footage was adequate, and the organization wanted to be a good neighbor.”

A Kaleidoscopic Facade with Hidden Functionality

The building’s most striking feature is its exterior. The steel rainscreen, painted in a mesmerizing lenticular pattern, shifts from blue-grey to yellow, green, deep blue, and purple depending on the viewing angle. This chromatic play serves not only as a visual delight but also as a functional element. The facade’s unique design allows natural light to penetrate the building, illuminating the interior spaces and creating a more pleasant environment for the animals.

This attention to natural light extends to the interior. Two original skylights, preserved and enhanced by the design team, run the length of the building, providing a source of natural daylight for both the lobby and the kennel areas.As Joseph notes, “Bringing daylight into both the lobby and the kennel area gives the animals a sense of night and day. It’s very healthy for them and lends them a calmer spirit.”

Creating a Haven for cats and Dogs

The interior layout is thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of different animal species. The front half of the building is dedicated to cats, with a street-facing “condo” room for play and socialization and an adjacent kennel room for individual habitats.

The dog kennels, on the other hand, are located in a separate area, screened from the cats to minimize stress and potential conflict.To prevent aggression between the dogs, Studio Joseph collaborated with animal-behavior specialists from the ACC to develop a unique frit for the glass kennel doors.This diamond-patterned overlay becomes denser at the lower reaches, blocking the dogs’ view of each other while allowing humans to observe them.

Addressing Space Constraints and Health Standards

The project highlights the challenges faced by animal shelters in urban areas. With a mandate to accept all animals brought in, the ACC often faces overcrowding. The new adoption center is part of a larger initiative to address this issue, including the development of new facilities in Queens and the Bronx, and also renovations of existing centers.

The construction process also required careful planning to meet strict health and safety standards for both animals and humans. The drop ceiling conceals bulky mechanical systems,and the concrete floors are designed with just the right amount of grit to prevent slipping without causing discomfort to the animals’ paws.

A Model for Future Shelters

The 109th Street adoption center serves as a model for future animal shelters, demonstrating how a modest intervention can substantially improve the lives of animals in need. The project’s success lies in its ability to balance functionality, aesthetics, and animal welfare within the constraints of an existing structure and a limited budget.

The ACC staff reports that animals are moving through the new center at a significantly faster rate than in the main facility, with an average length of stay of 14 days compared to 20 days.As larger-scale plans for expanding the ACC’s capacity come to fruition, this innovative project offers a compelling and budget-friendly blueprint for providing a safe and loving haven for animals awaiting thier forever homes.

How can collaboration between architects and animal behavior specialists ensure a shelter’s design prioritizes the well-being of animals?

Revitalizing Urban Shelters: An Interview with Wendy Evans joseph, Studio Joseph Principal

A Colorful Haven for Manhattan’s Furry Friends: The ACC’s 109th Street adoption Center

East Harlem’s once-neglected garage has been transformed into a beacon of hope for animals in need. The ACC‘s new adoption center,designed by new York-based studio Joseph,is a testament to how innovative design can improve the lives of animals in urban shelters. Wendy Evans Joseph, the principal architect behind this inspiring project, shares her insights with Archyde.

A Kaleidoscopic Facade with Hidden Functionality

Archyde: The building’s exterior is truly striking. Tell us about the vision behind the lenticular pattern.

Wendy Evans Joseph: Thank you. We wanted a facade that would catch the eye,both to attract potential adopters and to signify a new beginning for the space. The shifting colors serve as a metaphor for the conversion of animals’ lives. Moreover, the design maximizes natural light intake, creating a healthier habitat for the animals.

Designing for Cats and Dogs

Archyde: The interior layout is distinctly divided for cats and dogs. Can you discuss the considerations made for each species?

Wendy Evans Joseph: Absolutely.We dedicated the front half to cats,with a street-facing play area and adjacent kennels for individual habitats. For dogs, we created a separate area with fritted glass doors that-blocked their view of each other to minimize stress. We collaborated with the ACC’s animal behavior specialists to ensure every detail supported the animals’ wellbeing.

Addressing Constraints and Standards

Archyde: Urban shelters often face space constraints and strict health standards. How did this project tackle those challenges?

Wendy Evans Joseph: Indeed, urban shelters have unique obstacles. we concealed mechanical systems in a drop ceiling and designed concrete floors with just the right amount of grit for animal safety. Additionally, the whole project was a budget-conscious remodel, proving that investments in thoughtful design can make a significant impact.

A Model for Future Shelters

Archyde: This project seems to set a new standard for animal shelters.What advice would you give to others working on similar projects?

Wendy Evans Joseph: Embrace the unique constraints and merge functionality with creativity.ailability of natural light, and a calm atmosphere for both animals and visitors. The success here lies in the balance of aesthetics, functionality, and animal welfare within a modest budget.

Archyde: The ACC reports animals moving through the new center much faster than before.How do you think this change can positively impact adoption rates?

Wendy Evans Joseph: A quicker stay means less stress and better overall health for the animals, making them more appealing to potential adopters. This positive cycle could considerably boost adoption numbers, freeing up space for more animals in need.

Archyde: Do you think focus on design could be a neglected aspect in animal welfare facilities? How can this change?

Wendy Evans Joseph: Design is often overshadowed by more immediate needs in animal welfare,such as staffing and medical care. However, a well-designed space can greatly enhance those efforts. I encourage shelter operators to consider design as an integral part of overall animal wellbeing. They should collaborate with architects who understand their unique needs and constraints.

Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your insights on this transformative project. Here’s to many more animals finding their forever homes in beautifully designed, stress-reducing environments.