Co-Living for Families with Dogs / Palo Alto, California

The San Francisco Bay Area, with 1.7 dogs per owner, is one of the most dog-friendly regions in the United States. However, despite this affinity for canine companionship, approximately 370 dogs are surrendered annually due to the challenges of balancing work and pet care. In response, this project aims to design a co-paw-living commune that brings together tech-workers and their dogs in a shared living environment. By fostering a sense of community among residents and their pets, the design will promote a supportive ecosystem that alleviates the burdens of dog ownership, allowing tech-workers to thrive in their careers while providing a happy and healthy life for their dogs.

The goal for this project is to design a co-paw-living commune for tech-workers and their dogs. The design will promote tech-worker communal living conditions with each other and their dogs that supports shared dog-care.

The proposed design investigates the intersection of human and canine spaces, striking a balance between shared indoor and outdoor areas and designated private territories for dogs. By blurring the boundaries between human and dog domains, the design creates a harmonious coexistence that prioritizes the needs of both species.