GSA Showcase 2021

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Interior Design School of Design Singapore

Tan Pei Xuan

This project looks at domestic life and common living arrangements. It is based on my family’s home sphere. The project comprises of three parts, each responding to my interests in spatial negotiation.

Contact
tanpx99@hotmail.com
P.Tan3@student.gsa.ac.uk
LinkedIn
Issuu
Works
Gender x Domesticity.
Home vs. Domesticity.
Introduction to Domesticity.
Labour x Domesticity.
Pets x Domesticity.

Gender x Domesticity.

The aim of the project is to investigate the social construction of gendered experiences in a space and redesigning a gender-neutral home.

What does Gendered spaces mean?

Gendered spaces refer to a set of spaces that are allocated to people based on their gender identity. Gendered spaces also reflect the social norms of everyday life (Nakhal, 2015), where spaces are determined based on the notion of gender while interacting with the activities. (Golfman, 1977)

What does gendered spaces mean to me?

In my opinion, it seems that women are confined by the standardized procedures by the society. In turn, the society possesses a thought that recommends household chores and tasks as a job for the women, so that they would dedicate themselves fully to the house. It reflected the moral values of society in the past. Coming back to the present, women have changed their way of thinking. Instead of accepting the nature of women’s domesticity, they hoped for status, power and education. Compared with the past and present, the way women perceived things have definitely changed. This motivated women to actively support and pursue their own domesticity.

Case Study: My Home

How are family roles being played out in gendered spaces?

Using my house as a case study, my main aim would be looking into how social policies have affected the way I live, as 80% of Singapore’s population lives in a Public Housing unit. Through the narrative view of a first person account, it helps to better understand the idea that I would want to bring forth, through material objects as it gives a relation to the occupants. It also delves into the negotiation and segregation of spaces caused by gender. I will be using an autoethnographic approach to analyze this case study with some frameworks that are used to facilitate it. The case study takes a walk through the house with a floor plan of the unit and photographs to capture the essentials. The house that I am staying in is a four-room flat that was built in 1997, in the estate of Jurong East.

How do you define ‘masculine’ or a ‘feminine’ space?

Before I dive into splitting up the spaces into ‘his’ and ‘hers’, I would need to find out the real meaning of gender. If so, what tools do I use to define gender? Looking at the precedent study done by Hannah Rozenberg, she came up with a digital calculator to define the meaning of gender. By using gender biases that were embedded in technology, I was able to find out the ‘gender’ of certain spaces.

On the right, the diagram shows an example of how the digital calculator works. By inputting a certain word, the graph would lean towards ‘he’ or ‘she’. In order to try it out, I keyed in ‘blue’ and ‘pink’, and the results was what I have expected. Leaning towards the right would give it a positive gender unit, which means ‘pink’ is greatly associated with ‘she’. Leaning towards the left would give it a negative gender unit, which means ‘blue’ is associated with ‘he’. This tool has greatly helped me to understand that certain terms have already been embedded into the society and/or technology, thus, it is tough to change the conception of such mindset.

What is considered a ‘masculine’ or a ‘feminine’ space?

Moving forward, I used the digital calculator to calculate the spaces in my home. The results are not what I expected to be as it differs from my family’s space usage. *GU represents Gender Unit.

How can I redefine Gendered Spaces?

What would happen if I use gender stereotypes to design the homes?

Based on the typical stereotypes that are given to each gender, I will be using those terms to redesigning the home. The three designs are the Female Home, the Male Home, and the Neutral Home.

My Final Home.

Does the naming of rooms affects the way the functions are being portrayed?

The house was decked in antique wood furniture, showing a preference and the control in decision making in the family. My father personally likes antique items, thus he was the one who chose the furniture and floor finishes. My mother did not have a say in it even though she did not really like it. It can be reflected that the words of a man still hold its importance in the family. (“The Significance of a Father’s Influence - Focus on the Family”, 2011) Also, both of my parents think that having Chinese New Year decorations in the house would bring auspicious luck into the house. We would keep those even after Chinese New Year has passed. With a traditional mindset, they think that it signifies a year’s worth of luck and prosperity. The dining table can be seen having objects placed on it. It is rare to see family members eating together, as we eat at different timings based on our own schedules. It does not serve its original purpose of dining table, rather, it became a furniture that people have looked upon.
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Cleanliness and neatness is maintained in the kitchen by my mother. She tidies the house everyday When my father comes home, he would be glad with the house’s condition as everything would be kept in place. He would still help out with domestic chores when he has the time to do so. This in turn reflects the patriarchy value despite the shift in Singapore in inheriting the British’s way of thinking, it can be seen that Singapore is still in a conservative society.(Katherine, 2015)
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In the first case study, it can be seen that my father’s presence was significant in my house, the way we behave and the way the house is presented leads me to realise that social construction of gender has chances of adapting it to different social roles, instead of planning out by gender. It indicates the extent the influence of social policies brought upon onto the standardized living environment. In the second case study, it can be seen that cluttering of items seems to liven the state of the house. The absence of a father figure does not set the living environment any different from other families. Such roles could be adapted, and it is not based by gender. Domestic spaces force people to be adaptable to their surroundings too.
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Moving forward, I used the digital calculator to calculate the spaces in my home. The results are not what I expected to be as it differs from my family’s space usage. Looking at these results, it seems that it does not accurately reflect the gender of the spaces. It deduced the value based on the terms embedded into technology, which means that the individual items like bed, pillow are already stereotyped beforehand. It can be concluded that the gender of the spaces does not have any connection to the items of the space.
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Organic. Soft. Delicate.

Gender roles means that people are expected to behave, act and speak based upon their assigned sex. Females are generally expected to dress in a feminine way and be polite, accommodating and nurturing. The two gender stereotypes that I will be mentioning are personality traits and domestic behaviours. For example, women are often expected to be accommodating and emotional, and some people do expect women to take care of the household. (“Gender Identity & Roles | Feminine Traits & Stereotypes”, n.d.) If for the man the key words were quality and comfort, for a woman, it would be style and elegance. Each woman is different and thus needs to personalize her space in her own way (A man’s room vs a woman’s room: interior design tips and ideas 2008-2016). The furniture that have been chosen are mostly soft edges, providing an elegance mood throughout the house. The sofa is of organic shape, which shows the fluidity of women’s mood.
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Pink. Clean. Bright.

A new study by the City University of New York proved again that men and women see differently the world, and color design is more important to women, while too many small home accessories and too much ornamentation can be disturbing to men. (Striking Gender Differences in Modern Interior Design and Decorating for Guys and Girls 2015) The scientists conducted a study and found out that women enjoy monochromatic color schemes and interior decorating ideas for women should include rich color palette with more than one color. Usually, young women tend to choose colors such as pink, lavender or light blue. These are all pastel colors with a fairy feel. (Striking Gender Differences in Modern Interior Design and Decorating for Guys and Girls 2015) By decorating the room in pink and white, it demostrate a certain emotion evoked by women. Generally, the mood will be uplifted when the room is of a lighter shade, linking it to women’s emotions. Calling something ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ doesn’t mean that particular room or decor style is only for men or women — it means that the space being described has qualities we associate more with one gender than another. (His and Hers: Analyzing “Masculine” and “Feminine” Decor n.d.)
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Decorative. Sensitive. Form> Function.

Soft, comfy things (like a tufted headboard), gold, delicate prints, light colors. floral printed pillows, tiny curios, an abstract painting in lovely light colors, a vase with flowers on it, are preferred for women. (His and Hers: Analyzing “Masculine” and “Feminine” Décor, n.d.) - A young woman’s bedroom should be fresh and cheerful. It should reflect her age as well as her character, just like her cloths do. The walls should have a happy color. This way the whole room will be cheerful. (How to decorate a young woman’s bedroom, n.d.) By dressing the whole house in feminine colour, it reflects the gender stereotypes posed on women.
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Angular. Dark. Complex.

Men like solid design, functional furniture, strong contrasts and comfortable colors, deep tones, like navy, black and brown. Leather, wood and heavy fabrics are their favorite materials that manifest strength and comfort. (Interior Design Ideas, Textures and Colors for Men and Women n.d.) There are a few items that a man’s room needs. One of them is the sofa. Something covered in leather and with a timeless look would be perfect. The shelving is also important. - a man’s room also needs some wall decorations. These need to be personal things, such as collections, trophies or a particular item that the user really likes. (A man’s room vs a woman’s room: interior design tips and ideas (2008-2016).
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Tough. Logical. Function> Form.

Men are generally expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold. They are expected to take care of finances and doing repairs. (“Gender Identity & Roles | Feminine Traits & Stereotypes”, n.d.) A man’s room needs to be first well planned and organized. It is a space where a man can relax and enjoy himself, where he can read, write or share beers with his friends. When decorating a man’s room, you have to think of quality and comfort. If you want to furniture to last more than just a couple of year, maybe you should consider buying vintage furniture. The style suits a man and the quality it offers or superior to the one offered by current manufacturer standards. The furniture you choose then needs to be comfortable. (A man’s room vs a woman’s room: interior design tips and ideas 2008-2016)
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Blue. Dominating. Decision Making.

Dark colors, masculine, gloomy, stylishly foreboding, big wood beams. Lots of texture is preferred for men. (His and Hers: Analyzing “Masculine” and “Feminine” Decor n.d.) From this house, it can be seen that the interior is decked with gender stereotypical materials/ terms based on men. Does men still have any preferences on how they want their room to be done?
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Neutral. Minimal. Essential.

Many interior designers believe that there is no big difference between interior design for women and men. Comfortable and functional, harmonious and modern interior design ideas have a universal appeal, they explain. Still, if a man and a woman like one interior design style and have one favorite color, their design and room decorating ideas, solutions and realizations can be very different. Interior design for a couple should find interesting and appealing to both, a woman and a man, interior design ideas, attractively blending their tastes and personal preferences. Modern room design ideas should offer peace and comfort, balance and harmony, luxury and elegance, bringing more joy and optimism into men and women interior spaces. (Interior Design Ideas, Textures and Colors for Men and Women n.d.)
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Neutral. Minimal. Essential.

There is a double bind that exists with what we call the “blue and pink stereotype” that is driving gender inequality. Why are we judging, and how do we evolve as people if we are putting these old-school frameworks on gender in today’s modern times? We have to start a new conversation that allows both men and women the freedom to identify with aspects of their personality without feeling too “feminine” or too “masculine.” (Zalis, 2019) We can start off by having gender-neutral items, neutral colours for both gender. The only way to move away from the prejudiced society would be to be yourself.
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Final Perspective.

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Priorities.

Whether the interior design for men or women, the space should be decorated with the color that the human likes best. It needs to reflect one’s personality and character. figure out the style and choose furniture and accessories that are representations of oneself In my final home, I have decided to go with the oriental theme as I followed the character of my father.
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Neutral colours.

The use of neutral colours was to allow for gender-neutral experiences. Decked in wooden colours, it gives a raw feeling to the home atmosphere. The first move was to rearrange the floor plan, but giving prioritise to the rooms that has the largest space usage. The placement of the living room, dining area, altar has been changed to fit the space productivity as well. By renaming the rooms, it allows for transparency and minimise domestic conflicts. It becomes an area for rest, an area to eat and an area to pray. It eliminates any gender stereotypes by changing the way we are addressing it.
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Home vs. Domesticity.

What is home? What is domesticity?
What are the differences between these two terms?

Home is established in a quite fixed manner with clear functions assigned to each space and with specific roles according to each room. The idea of the home as something static is changing with new lifestyles, where some have the privilege to choose a life in motion and others are forced into it by precarious work and home conditions.

Domesticity perpetuates the relationship between the physical and the imaginary realms of home. Domestic practices create (through the material comforts) and maintain (through rules and practices e.g., housekeeping) the idealized notion of home. It draws upon the performative aspect of people and delineates how they visualize, negotiate and realize ambitions for comfort, security, privacy and independence provided through the agency of architecture. (Chee & Park, 2013)

To compare between the two, home acts as a foundation for relationships, domesticity goes beyond of what it is. It initiates the act and giving people more than what the structure could provide.

What does domesticity mean to me?

To me, domesticity means the process of home-making. It requires joint efforts from the people and their environment to make sure that it is balanced out.

 

"Familiarity"

The image represents the state of oneself when one is heading back home. The upright image represents the furniture found at home, whereas the downside image represents the public areas - buildings. The balloons on the women’ heads represent their personal space when they interact in public. As they are heading back home, which a place where they are comfortable in, they are able to let everything go. Then, they would allow their bubble to pop, as they are familiar with their surroundings.
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Introduction to Domesticity.

The project aims to rethink/ relook at domestic life by forming new typologies of living arrangements.

In order to understand the way we live, I look into every day’s routines and objects. Based on the informed experiences of the physical space, I open up to possible transformations on the different types of dwellings. The main consideration of this project would be my family, as I am looking into my domestic life.

I have come to realize that we constantly tussle between our known thoughts that we experience and new knowledge that provides a different perspective on things, which lead me to discover the negotiation of spaces by occupants, an adaptation of roles within space and their behavioral expectations. Subsequently, presenting a series of observations that shed light into the real domesticity of Singapore.

The project comprises of three parts, each responding to my interests in spatial negotiation. They are:

1. Labour x Domesticity (Live, Work, Play), which looks at the reconstruction of my home, taking into consideration my family’s routines and space usage.

2. Gender x Domesticity (Gendered Spaces), which explores the use of spaces and activities in relation to their gender.

3. Pets x Domesticity (Catification), which opens up possibilities of having a collaborative environment between owners and their pets.

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Labour x Domesticity.

The aim of the project is to reconfigure my home by redefining the spaces where labour and domestic activities take place.

About.

The pandemic has had an immediate impact upon everyone— completely transforming the daily experience of our lives. One of the most far-reaching changes has been that in a very short amount of time, our relationship to work has been completely transformed. Millions of people are suddenly working from home, which has raised many questions for the future of housing design. Even as the pandemic has pushed to the surface the inequality embedded in the current DIY conversion of domestic space into workspace, it has also presented the idea that another world might be possible. If we create a live-work space that could improve the current situation of our lives, how might new living typologies help with creating a balance life?

Domesticity and Labour are not separated by definite borders in today’s society, causing productive spaces to become unproductive and making home an area unsuitable for rest. By separating the spaces where Labour and Domestic activities take place, the efficiency of each activity will increase, which will positively affect the atmosphere of each space. They can be organised into a system of productivity. The targeted community would be the home owners. With work-from-home set to be commonplace even when the Covid-19 pandemic is over, more people are looking for layouts in residential units that can effectively be transformed into home offices. This is an investigation into the potential of the domestic space and everyday life when moving from an individualistic lifestyle towards a collaborative one.

 

About the Site.

I am explaining these themes in the context of my own home. It is located in Jurong East, Singapore. Located near the heart of Jurong, my home is accessible to the surrounding towns, Bukit Batok and Clementi. Using my house as a case study, my main aim would be looking into the current way of living, and making greater changes by redesigning my home. Through the narrative view of a first-person account, it helps to better understand the idea that I would want to bring forth, through material objects as it gives a relation to the occupants. The house that I am staying in is a four-room flat that was built in 1997, in the estate of Jurong East.

 

Living & Working Spaces. 

At the living room, as you can see, the table is placed right next to the television. So when my mother is watching her show, and when my brother/ father is using the computer to do work, it might affect their productivity (due to sight and hearing). The work space do not have its privacy, and can be easily distracted. In order to supervise my brother, my father had placed a working area near the living room. He will be able to keep an eye on him while watching the television at the same time. The negotiation of space occurs in the moment, where the purpose of the spaces interlinks with each other. The quality of space changes through the interaction between the occupants. (Goffman, 1977). Before the pandemic, it was not as serious as they do not have to stay at home daily.

From my observations, it seems that there are no distinction between the realms of working and living. Even with the thought of separating both activities (placing one to the another room), it seems that there is a lack of space to cater to both activities. Initially, the working area was placed there due to that. Looking at Figure X and X, it shows the situation of space on the table. Another issue is to be organized. it shows the working condition of the space.

 

Routine Diagram.

Diagrams were done in a 24h format to track my family’s typical weekday routine. The diagram tracks the prominent spaces that my family frequents the most, where it shows their priority in the usage of space at home. By comparing the paths they took before and after the pandemic, it shows the results of how my family were affected by it. The spaces usage needs to be reconsidered as it has to fit every element in during the pandemic season.

 

Layout Reconfiguration. 

After looking at the spaces visually, I divided them into 3 main zones, which are live, work and play. Live, work and play is a balance skillset that I would like to create in my design. It is a lifestyle where people aim achieve it. Based on my definitions, I came up with diagrams to illustrate my thoughts.

I would like to create a system whereby homeowners are able to configure their own spaces according to their needs and preferences. Using the diagrams, people can choose how to configure their spaces. As an example, I have selected my ideal space which is a combination of L1 + W5 + P2.

They can be rearranged throughout the day to meet the demands of the homeowners as they work, play and learn from home, while retaining the core elements of domesticity. This combination allows me to create flexible living and work spaces, which is specially catered to my family. It would helped my family to have a conducive environment for the activities they are doing.

 

Final Outcome. 

The two moveable booths are separated to form a home office with a desk and a living and dining room. The flexible volumes can divide the open plan into 3 rooms.

The model helps to explain the layout reconfiguration ideation I had in mind. The model is made up of 3 components, with the first being live, second being work and third being play. These are able to move or slide according to the way you like. As the material is slightly transparent, you will be able see the full system as they stack on one another. By enabling each system to be configured according to your own spaces, it allows the user to see and experience the kind of spaces that they make up of, allowing them the fully utilize their space. By having such concept of reconfiguration, home owners will able to maximize their home spaces to the fullest. It provides a interesting view in seeing home spaces.

Labour x Domesticity.

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site plan

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This shows the space relation and it seems that there are no defined borders between the realms of working and living.

How can we further work on spatial planning such that productive spaces become an area for work whereas unproductive spaces become an area for rest?
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Routine Diagram

Before the Pandemic vs. After the Pandemic
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Layout Reconfiguration

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Live, Work, Play

Mode 1: It consists of a working space, dining space and living space. Mode 2: It consists of the dining space, living space and the sleeping space. Mode 3: It consists of the working space, living space and the sleeping space.
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Sectional Perspective; emphasis on the ‘playing zone’ when ‘work’ and ‘live’ are not in use.
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When Booth 1 is shifted to the left, it compromises the working zone, giving more allowance to the living are. When the working zone is in use, Booth 1 will be shifted to the right, giving ample space for people to work.
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When Booth 2 is shifted to the right, it gives spaces for the dining area to take place. When not in use, the table can be folded and kept. During night time, shift Booth 2 to the left in order to place the bed. The bed can also be kept when not in use. This has definitely saved space, and are able to enjoy all programmes within these zones.
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Pets x Domesticity.

The aim of the project is to create a space where humans and cats are able to live in a collaborative environment.

What does catification means?
Catification is the art of making changes and adjustments to your home that meet the needs of both you and your cat (aesthetically and spatially). You want to create spaces that really satisfy your cat’s primal instincts and challenge them the way being outdoors does. Your cat’s instincts propel them to jump, perch, climb, play, sleep, eat, hunt, and claim their own territory.

What does the human – feline relationship signify?
Cat living indoors are under the charge of their human caretakers. This means guardians control what, when, and where their cats eat, as well as where they use the litter box. Guardians also are responsible for their cats’ opportunities to engage in species-appropriate activities.
Cat guardians who try to get their cats to adapt to their human lifestyle and preferences without considering cats’ true nature and needs will likely find themselves with an unhappy cat who exhibits what the guardian deems as undesired behaviour problems. A cat guardian must try to understand how domestication affects their cats’ behaviours, well-being and health. (Benjamin, 2018)

Introducing Min Ying, who has been a cat owner of 9 years.

An avid cat lover who makes frequent trips to cat cafes and enjoys the company of cats.
Name: Min Ying
Pet Owner of: 9 years
Cat Name: Prosciutto
Breed: Domestic Shorthair

Q: In the house, where does your cat usually hangs out?
A: My cat usually hangs out at the balcony as most of her stuff is placed there. She likes to play outdoor and bathe in the warm sun during late afternoon to evening. Other times, she would stay in the living room or on my bed as it is comfortable.
Q: Why does she hangs out at the balcony in particular?
A: Her bed is placed there and there are many boxes for her to explore, as cats like boxes in nature. It is also easy for her to scratch the surface of the boxes. Since she is also not allowed to stray, the balcony provides a outdoor environment for her.
Q: Are there any interesting traits about your cat?
A: It seems that she is quite lazy but is more active at night (cats’ natural behaviour). She is quite picky with her items and does not need expensive pet items like the scratching posts as she is satisfied with the boxes.
Q: Are they any changes made to the interior of your home due to your cat?
A: I mostly changed the balcony area so as to put my cat’s items like food, bed and litter box. It results in lesser space for my family to put my laundry. Even though the balcony is not meshed up, my cat is smart enough to not jump out.
Q: What are some problems you faced at home?
A: When it rains, her items have to be moved into the living room from the balcony. Since she is also afraid of thunder and lighting, she would avoid the window areas. I feel that there is a lack of scratching areas as she ended up scratch the dining chairs and storage boxes.

Day / Night Light.
The following diagrams show the sun path ranging from 0900 to 2100 hours. By doing so, it provides opportunities to work on areas that are shaded/ unshaded. It can also be used to infer Prosciutto’s possible locations as she likes to be in the sun.

Cat Path.
This diagram illustrates the common route that Prosciutto takes. It shows the places that she commonly visits. By inferring from her locations and the sun light, it can be seen that she does enjoy the sunlight. The place that she spend the most time at would be the balcony/ living room, followed by Min Ying’s bedroom, the master bedroom and lastly, the kitchen.

Final Design.

I have came up with 7 different features for cats to live in the house, which are 90 degrees, Ventil(c)ation, The Cat Plank, Catallina, Raised (c)atform, A Catastrophe and CatWalk? Catwalk!. These are specially catered towards pets and the human lifestyle.

In Conclusion.

In total, there are 7 different features for cats to live in the house. I sincerely hope that the creation of these installations would allow for a more collaborative environment between the humans and the cats. To each has their own spaces, they are able to enjoy their comfort and privacy collectively.

Other than these features, owners should spend more time with their cats, so as to observe and control their behaviour. There seems to be a relation to playing and hunting, increasing their instincts level.

“In the case of a cat, we have never found any particular significance to the human being. Cats prefer to play with toys that in some way look like their pray; they got feathers on them or they are furry or they are about the right size that a cat would safely be able to prey on… and cats play more intensely when they get hungry.”
– John Bradshaw (Bradshaw, 2013)

As Mark Twain says, “When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction.” (Lezard, 2014) This project gives me a better understanding of the way cats perceive the world, and how humans can better accommodate ourselves to them.

 

 

Pets x Domesticity.

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Diagram illustrates the spatial relationship of human beings and cats within the neighbourhood.

In terms of size, Prosciutto actually lives in generous comfort, occupying an area that is almost ten times the size of what a typical family member occupies. Prosciutto does move from places to places, depending on the weather and her mood.
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Day/Night Light

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Cat's Path

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Observations

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Textures

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Floor Plan

The zoning of the programs will remain untouched as per the previous house.
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Materials/Textures & Axonometric View

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90 degrees.

In an environment with cats, there should be sufficient hiding and playing places for them. Thus, there are gaps underneath the sofas, which allows for perfect hiding and greater movements. Cat shelf is placed above the windows, linking it to the wall behind the sofas. The reason for placing the cat shelves at a higher height is as follows; according to Mieshelle Nagelschneider, who is a cat behaviorist, mentioned that most cats prefer to sleep and hang out in places with good vantage points. (Nagelschneider, n.d.) It comes from their instinct to protect their themselves, and a high position for sleeping or resting gives them an aerial advantage for spotting any potential dangers around them. By having window perches, it also allows the cat to look out of the window. Cats enjoy looking at ‘nothing’, in addition to birds, small wildlife, foliage, other cats, people, vehicles, and insects/reptiles. (Salvia, 2020) The cat shelf across the window leads to the cat tree, allowing the cat to return to their ‘cat home’. Also, cat shelves were installed on the wall, allowing the cats to move actively.
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Ventil(c)ation

Since the whole space is based on an open-plan, this wooden shelf acts as a division that separates both the semi-public and the public zone. Nonetheless, it enables both spaces to connect visually as it is made up of wooden planks. Among the wooden planks are squared shelving, which allows direct entries for the cats to proceed from the semi-public zone to the public zone, and vice versa. Items can also be placed on the squared shelving for decoration and/or aesthetic purposes. By creating different types of environments for the cats to loiter around, they are able to choose a suitable location for them to rest. By giving the cats enough vertical space options to choose from, it helps them to climb safely, jump on, or scratch furniture that has been designed for that purpose. It will benefit the cats physically and emotionally to have multiple perching spots throughout your home just like he would out in nature. (Nagelschneider, n.d.)
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The Cat Plank

The ‘cat home’ is placed at the upper corner of the house so that it allows a space for the cat to rest and for privacy purposes. The only entrance or exit would be the series of wooden planks. Not only did it serve as aesthetic purposes, it creates a walkway for the cat to pass through. As mentioned before, cats prefer to hang out and sleep at high areas as they are able to supervise the surroundings and spot any dangers immediately. (Nagelschneider, n.d.) The wooden planks lead up to a series of squared shelves that are installed the wall. Its main purpose was to store items, but at the same time, by rearranging the layout and height of the shelves, it ultimately created a number of cat shelves which allows the cat to jump off from it.
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Catallina

The cat enclosure is specially created for the cats. Made from wood and glass, it allows the cat to look out of the “glass”, mimicking a window. It is the only sole place that is for cats, which allows the cat to have their own private living space. It is a space where it has all the facilities catered to them, ranging from sleep to play. They are also able to hide away when they do not want to be bothered. It is also a smart way to build this ‘cat home’ as it could be integrated with the home interior. There are 2 ways to enter this enclosure. The first way would be entering through the cat walk from above, where there will be an opening. The second way to enter would be from the bottom of the enclosure where the cat would need to leap from outside.
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Raised (c)atform

In order to create a collaborative environment, the house have been made into a wall-less apartment. Other than the structural columns, the main part of the house is an open plan. It allows plenty of sunlight to come through, as it is an important factor as the cat enjoys bathing in sunlight. By knocking down the walls of 2 bedrooms, a raised platform has been created. It creates pockets of spaces along the corridor (to solve storage issues) and can be a hideout spot for cats. Cats are able to hang out with their owners comfortably. The main thing is that movements are not restricted as the open plan home seems free-flowing and feline-friendly. Without any walls, cats are able to move around freely, going from one area to another. The raised platform acts as a space for living and sleeping. It allows for a larger bedroom space, bringing one closer to the windows, enjoying the outside view. Since this space has evolved from a private to a semi-public zone, there would not be any cat shelves as the main purpose is for resting. If the cat wants to play at the area, they can interact with the heights of the platform and the cat tree placed right next to it.
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A Catastrophe

Another main feature of the house would be this series of cat shelves. They are placed around 2 perpendicular walls so that the cats would have enough space to interact. Combining with different elements and heights, they are able to move around freely. Since it is located next to the dining area and the corridor, it is an area where they will not be disturbed. As the higher shelf reaches out to the long cat walk, it allows the cat to move about the house easily. Scratching posts are linked from the floor level to some of the cat shelves so that the cats are able to de-claw and climb onto it. Post should be tall, sturdy, covered in a rough material (such as sisal) and, here’s the one many people forget about: posts should be placed in convenient locations where a cat likes to scratch. (“Q & A with Cat Expert Pam Johnson-Bennett | ARM & HAMMER™ Cat Litter”, n.d.) It is also essential to place several tall scratching posts as the need to climb is deep-rooted in the cat’s genetics, where his need to perch can be traced back to his wildcat ancestry. Cats will seek out high places even in a home where they know it is safe and well cared for. (Nagelschneider, n.d.)
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CatWalk? Catwalk!

It acts as a passageway that links all the features together. It links to 3 main areas, the cat shelves above the window, the cat enclosure and the cat shelves along the corridor. It allows for easy access as it gets the cats from one place to another. Since the height of the cat walk is in a much higher place, it would not affect the owner’s lifestyle. Another important point to take note would be the location of a litter box.A litter box should be placed in an open area that allows a cat visual warning time to watch for potential danger. If the other boxes are located in cramped areas or corners, are in noisy places, or they don’t allow for adequate escape potential, they may not provide the safety a cat need. (“Q & A with Cat Expert Pam Johnson-Bennett | ARM & HAMMER™ Cat Litter”, n.d.)
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Cats’ Perspectives

These images projects the perspective that the cat view. Standing in their shoes, it is easier to understand the way they move around. to see whether is it fluent, has all spaces been covered so that cat could live at another part of the house.
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