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Barkitecture is back! Renowned architects vie to design the perfect spot for office dogs

19th April 2023

Back with a bark for 2023 and at the heart of Goodwoof will be Britain’s leading kennel design competition: Barkitecture presented by Mastercard. The much-loved design competition will once again take centre stage on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May.

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Featuring renowned UK and international architects including Foster + Partners and Sebastian Conran, Barkitecture will be judged by an expert panel led by Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud MBE who, along with The Duke of Richmond, devised the original concept for the competition.

This year, the architects stuck their teeth into a new brief,  ‘A Companion Piece – Dogs at Work.’ Architects were asked to consider the significant role that dogs play in our lives and how much they contribute to humans’ well-being, particularly in the office. Entrants had the choice of two options; they could either create a single or double occupancy kennel for dogs wishing to retreat from office life, with a total budget of £250. Each kennel will be on display at the Barkitecture gallery at Goodwoof with all of them being auctioned on Sunday 21st May by Bonhams, Goodwoof’s official auction partner. All funds raised will go towards the work of Pets As Therapy, Goodwoof’s 2023 charity partner. Pets As Therapy aim to provide the companionship of a dog or a cat for people nationwide facing difficulties in hospitals, hospices, care homes, prisons and schools.

Speaking ahead of this year's event, Kevin McCloud MBE explains: “Barkitecture is an architecture competition in pursuit of one thing, the finest, most innovative 21st century ideas for kennels. I’m looking forward to seeing how our entrants explore the relationship between our canine friends and their physical environment, as well as kennel technology, animal welfare and sustainability.”

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Goodwoof 2022 judges. Ph by Tom Baigent

Last year's event pannel was joined by Kevin McCloud, comedian Bill Bailey, Design Museum CO, Stephen Bayley and the President of the Royal Horticultural Society, Keith Weed who awarded the winning kennel to Birds Portchmouth Russum Architects with their elegant kennel, Bonehenge. Created from fortified timber dog bones, the sweeping elliptical design was inspired by the practice’s Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel, Illy’s habit of circling before settling down to rest.

Taking part in Barkitecture 2023 are:

  • Coffey Architects with Fetch
  • Foster + Partners Architectural Design and Engineering with Barc
  • George and James Architects Ltd with The Agility Desk
  • Gianni Botsford Architects with BASK!
  • Hall + Bednarczyk Architects with Wig Wag
  • Hawkes Architecture with The Dogs
  • Henning Stummel Architects with Nomad London
  • Hopkins Architects with the Hound Lodge
  • Knox Bhavan Architects with Juno’s Jig
  • Linley with The Birch Bark Cabin from Barley Court
  • Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) with The Poochchair
  • Sanei + Hopkins Architects Ltd with Chaise Lounge
  • Sebastian Conran Associates with Bowowhaus
  • Tsuruta Architects with Dogxytocin Ring

This year, the event hopes to build on the success of the 2022 competition which raised an impressive £30,000 for Dogs Trust.

The Duke of Richmond said, “We are looking forward to seeing what the exemplary architects and design practices have produced for Barkitecture this year. Each kennel is a work of art as well as being the perfect spot for a dog to enjoy in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a working day.”

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