Written by: Saram Maqbool
Posted on: March 04, 2025 | 
I honestly think architecture is one of the most misunderstood industries in Pakistan. Ask any number of people on the street what they know of the word and while most won’t know what it means, others will tell you it’s limited to “drawing maps” of houses. In reality, though, architecture goes far beyond just that - to the point where architecture for animals has also gained traction in recent years. Merging design principles with an understanding of how animals behave is very intriguing and takes an art form widely considered artificial to something much more rooted in nature.
Animal architecture stables
One striking example of architecture designed specifically for animals is the Banff Wildlife Bridges in Canada. Located in Banff National Park, these overpasses and underpasses help animals safely cross the Trans-Canada Highway, which cuts through critical wildlife habitat. Without such structures, animals like grizzly bears, wolves and elk face high risks of being hit by vehicles. The bridges are designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, using vegetation and natural materials to encourage wildlife to use them. Another remarkable example is the Elephant World sanctuary in Thailand. Designed by architect Boonserm Premthada, this project provides a safe and comfortable environment for elephants that have been rescued from tourism and logging industries. The sanctuary includes large shelters constructed from locally sourced materials, such as compressed earth blocks, which help regulate temperature and provide a natural, comfortable setting for the elephants. The design also incorporates water features and shaded areas to support the animals’ well-being. By creating a space that meets the needs of both the elephants and their caretakers, the sanctuary exemplifies how architecture can be used to improve the lives of animals in captivity while maintaining a connection to their natural environment.
Banff Wildlife Bridges
Urban environments present a different set of challenges when it comes to designing with animals in mind. Cities are almost always designed with the human population in mind, but animals are a big part of them whose needs must be catered for as well. This could be done with simple interventions like more green spaces or by incorporating specific structures in public spaces that help urban wildlife thrive. A very interesting example can be seen in Cat Cafe TRYST by Parallect Design. This project in Shanghai is very unique in its functionality, as its primary users are cats. Located in a renovated building, the cafe’s door opens into the street below, inviting both cats and cat enthusiasts inside. Elements like wooden ladders, pathways, and cat houses encourage cats to explore the whole space throughout the day. Lots of natural light and the use of natural wood create an overall outdoorsy look and feel, making the animals feel more at home. A local example of how urban spaces can accommodate animals that comes to mind, would be the infamous birdhouse monument created by the students of the National College of Arts in Lahore. Installed on Istanbul Square, this quickly became a unique and recognizable element within the space, even though it was primarily designed to be an art piece rather than an actual birdhouse. Still, projects like this show how similar things could be done on a larger scale, in places where birds may actually make them their home, coexisting with the people who also utilize public spaces.
Cat Cafe TRYST in Shanghai
Wildlife conservation projects often require innovative architectural solutions to support endangered species. One example is the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu, China. Designed to mimic the natural habitat of pandas, the facility includes expansive green spaces, bamboo forests and artificial caves that provide shelter and enrichment for the animals. The research base is not just a sanctuary but also a center for scientific study, where researchers work on breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts. The architecture of the facility plays a crucial role in encouraging natural behaviors among pandas while ensuring their safety and comfort. Similar approaches have been taken in tiger reserves, gorilla sanctuaries and marine conservation centers around the world, demonstrating how built environments can be tailored to support both animals and conservationists.
Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China
Some architectural projects are designed not only for animals but also to raise awareness about their conservation. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre in Australia, designed by Terroir and Grimshaw Architects, is an example of how architecture can bridge human experiences with wildlife preservation. Located on Phillip Island, the center provides an immersive experience where visitors can observe penguins in their natural habitat while minimizing human impact. The design includes underground viewing areas that allow people to watch penguins return from the ocean without disturbing them. The building itself is shaped to blend into the coastal landscape, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to reduce its environmental impact.
Panda house
Architecture for animals is not just about creating shelters or enclosures but more about designing spaces that promote coexistence, well-being and sustainability. Whether through wildlife crossings, pet-friendly apartments, conservation centers or urban ecological interventions, architects are finding innovative ways to integrate animals into the built environment. We, as humans, are taking over more and more of the natural world with our unnatural expansion, so it's time to also start considering those species that are being displaced by us, and hopefully create architectural and urban spaces that can help them thrive as well.
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