Barkitecture: Is design going to the dogs?

Barkitecture
Part of Speech: noun 
Definition: the architecture of doghouses; art or process of designing doghouses; the style in which a doghouse is designed. 
Usage: “That is an example of indulgent barkitecture!” 
Etymology: bark (of a dog) + architecture

(photo at right:  Rex Box, "Greenest Design" award winner at Austin, TX Barkitecture 2012 competition)

From the San Francisco Bay to San Diego and from Austin to Pittsburg, “barkitecture” is sweeping the nation. 

According to a recent report from the U.S. Labor Department,  Americans spend $61 billion per year on their pets, averaging just over $500 per household. Kit Yarrow, chair of psychology at Golden Gate University, points out that pets also have an elevated status in our homes than in the past, with 9 out of 10 owners considering their pets to be “part of the family”. 

Now, animal lovers can combine their love of design to help their furry friends. Animal rescue groups all over the country are challenging talented designers, architects, builders and artists to  create fantasy doghouses to later be auctioned off at fundraiser events. These competitions have become quite the event themselves- with specialty categories in “kitty condos” and “interior barkitecture”, which are structures intended for indoor use only.

Pittsburgh, PA Contemporary Design Group store, Perlora is currently partnering with community organization Animal Friends to help give pets a “new leash on life”. Challenging competitors to “think outside the cage”, Perlora will also host the finale live auction on October 24.

Animal Friends of Pittsburgh is a non-profit companion animal resource center serving the needs of pets and people for 70 years. According to their website, “our progressive programs have been nationally recognized and include humane rescue, shelter and adoption services for homeless pets, humane education, pet behavior classes, pet- assisted therapy, wellness programs and more. In addition, Animal Friends is leading the way towards ending pet overpopulation in western Pennsylvania through comprehensive, community- wide spay/neuter programming.” To learn more or to learn how you can support, check Animal Friends out at www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

And, just in case anyone is wondering... Rockstar Puppy Boutique.com is currently offering an exclusive, custom “doggie dreamhouse” inspired by the Taj Mahal at a mere $40,000 pricetag. No word yet on how well it’s selling, but you can be sure that it’s future occupant will be one pampered pooch.