At the heart of Goodwoof (20 & 21 May), will be a unique competition – Barkitecture, a stunning architectural exhibition and competition of cutting-edge kennel design – presented by MastercardUK.
Spearheaded by Kevin McCloud MBE with the Duke of Richmond, he has invited architects from around the globe to enter.
We were excited to preview some of the kennels and meet the architects at Bonham’s in London.
Me and some doggies went to try them for size and comfort and met some of the designers.
Well, I think I’ve found my favourite. Can you guess which one?
Wonder if Mum will bid it for me at the auction on Sunday, 21st May.
May’s comment: The brainchild of Kevin McCloud MBE and The Duke of Richmond, McCloud 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.”
The theme for this year’s competition is ‘A Companion Piece – Dogs at Work,’ and Goodwoof has invited the crème de la crème of the design industry to showcase their skills. ‘Dogs at Work’ asks entrants to consider the important role dogs play in our lives and how much they contribute to our wellbeing, whilst re-examining the spaces we create for them in our homes and workplaces.
Competing for the ‘Kennel Design Award’, registered architects and design practices have been able to choose between creating either a single or a double occupancy kennel for dogs at work, with a budget of £250. Kennels will be judged by an expert panel during the event, led by Kevin McCloud MBE.
Each kennel will then be auctioned on the Sunday of the event by Bonhams, Goodwood’s official auction partner, raising funds for this year’s Goodwoof’s official charity partner, Pets As Therapy.
The architects and design practices taking part in 2023 are:
- Coffey Architects Fetch – a celebration of a dog’s greatest love – playing fetch – this fun, innovative kennel can also be used to store your dog’s toys.
- Foster + Partners Architectural design and engineering Barc – a flat pack plywood kennel that is designed to meet the needs of the flexible, modern workplace.
- George and James Architects Ltd The Agility Desk – A desk that facilitates interaction between a dog and their owner whilst creating stimulating exercises for the dog.
- Gianni Botsford Architects BASK! A contribution to the reverence for the sun in the canine world; a temple for our canine friends to join us in our worship end enjoyment of the sun.
- Hall+ Bednarczyk architects Wig Wag – The teepee inspired design is a nod to the increasingly nomadic existence of office dogs.
- Hawkes Architecture The Dogs – An elegantly hand crafted form for two or more dogs and maybe even a small person to lay down with them !
- Henning Stummel Architects Nomad Juno – The true joy of having a dog is companionship – Here is a piece of furniture that dog and owner share.
- Hopkins Architects The Hound Lounge – a companionable arrangement for dog and owner.
- KnoxBhavan Architects Juno’s Jig – This kennel designed for KnoxBhavan’s office dog Juno seeks to embody these qualities in an adaptable, comfortable Jig; a bed for a working-dog working in architecture.
- Linley The Birch Bark Cabin from Barley Court – Please note that the image shown is a sketch, the actual image coming soon.
- Sir Jony Ive
- Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) The Poochchair – This contraption is in honour of all of the terriers – both painterly, stuffed, jumping – that have listened, accompanied, chased, nipped. A whine-stopper.
- Sanei + Hopkins Architects Ltd Chaise Lounge
- Sebastian Conran Associates Bowowhaus – it was conceived as a transportable home designed for a family of large hounds this can be scaled to the number and size of dogs the owner has.
This year, the event hopes to build on the success of the 2022 competition where a phenomenal £30,150 was raised for Dogs Trust. This year’s event will support Pets as Therapy.
Children aged 4-12 years can also get involved this year with Goodwoof’s Junior Barkitechture Competition which invites them to design a kennel in which to share part of the school day with their favourite dog. Kevin McCloud will select the winning kennel which will be built and displayed for all visitors to Goodwoof to enjoy. Find out more, including how to enter here.
Goodwoof presented by MARS Petcare returns to The Kennels on the Goodwood Estate on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May. Celebrating all things canine, it offers a superb day out for dog owners and lovers of all ages, and includes a variety of activities and moments within the ticket price. Children aged 12 and under – and dogs – go free, making it the perfect family day out.
Barkitecture joins many attractions set to take the event by storm this year amongst world-class competitions, trials, demonstrations and workshops for everyone and their four-legged friends! Other highlights around the event include Fido’s Lido, Literary Corner, Chien Charmant, the Wellness Centre presented by MARS Petcare and much more.
