Pets for Health
Experimental Project
Client - PAWS
Location - Ferrari & Maserati Showroom, PJ
Aim was to design a space where anyone, no matter their background can spend time and heal with the animals. Achieving well being through animal therapy for all levels of people in urban areas.
Pet Therapy and Activity Centre
Together we can improve human health and well-being through the power of the human-animal bond. A space where anyone, no matter their background can spend time and heal with the animals. Achieving well being through animal therapy for all levels of people in urban areas.
Why is Pet Therapy Important?
Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect.
A mix of animals are selected based on the fact that not all people like the same animals. The animals selected are commonly surrounded by people, meaning they would be more comfortable with them.
Collage Moodboard from Sketchbook
Material & Colour Selection
Getting to know the Materials
Selection of sustainable materials for different parts of the building.
Fibre cement products used for interior & exterior finishings.
Good characteristics
- water resistant
- durability
- low maintenance
- lighter-weight
A selection of endemic Malaysian plants will be used inside the space.
How does Pet Therapy Work?
Animal therapy can have several goals, and these will determine how it works. The type of therapy and target for this therapy may change depending on the condition and the type of aid that a person needs. Some examples include:
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Providing comfort and reducing levels of pain.
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Improving movement or motor skills.
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Developing social or behavioral skills.
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Increasing motivation toward activities such as exercise or interacting with others.
Pet therapy is divided into two categories, Animal assisted therapy (aat) is a formal, structured set of sessions that helps people reach specific goals in their treatment.
Animal assisted activities (aaa) involves more casual meetings in which an animal and its handler interact with one or more people for comfort or recreation.
Concept Designs from Sketchbook
Physical Wellbeing
AAA involves more casual meetings in which an animal and its handler interact with one or more people for comfort or recreation. Simple Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) would include putting small dogs onto the laps of patients to be stroked and getting larger dogs to “feet up” onto patients to be patted. It may also include getting the dogs to perform tricks to entertain the patients, or getting patients to give the dogs little treats.
Concept Inspiration
When considering an appropriate concept for the space, the idea of looking into an oasis for such a commercial space. The idea of a Garden of Eden beyond religious views felt ideal. Inspiration was drawn from the freedom that animals had to roam freely with humans without getting hurt.
Ideally the garden was full of fruit and beautiful plants, where humans and animals lived in harmony with each other.
