Coexistence With Cats: A Harmonious Living Space

Creating a Home for Cats and Humans to Thrive Together

The house is designed around the interaction between cats and humans, taking into consideration their unique lifestyles and needs. The architecture and materials used in the design not only cater to the cats' natural instincts but also appeal to the modern perspective on design.

One of the main focuses of the design was to improve the flow of interaction between cats and humans. The renovation allowed the cats to explore and utilize more of the space, creating an environment that reflects their natural habitat. The design also takes into account the emotional distance between the two inhabitants, creating a comfortable and relaxed coexistence through thoughtful design elements.

The project, which took a year and a half to complete, including concept development and construction, is located in Osaka, Japan. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted to understand the physical and physiological effects spaces can have on cats. Published papers and literature were consulted, and observations of both house cats and stray cats were made to understand their behavior, movements, and daily routines. The interaction between cats and humans, both within the home and in public spaces, was also a crucial aspect of the research.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was creating a space that catered to both cats and humans. The design elements had to be holistic, ensuring that no aspect of the design was exclusively for either the cat or the human. The result is a space that fosters a harmonious coexistence, allowing both inhabitants to thrive.

The Coexistence With Cats design has received recognition for its innovative approach. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2015 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The design not only showcases strong technical and creative skills but also contributes to improving the quality of life, making the world a better place.

With the Coexistence With Cats design, Sohei Nakanishi has created a living space that celebrates the unique relationship between cats and humans. It is a testament to the possibilities of harmonious coexistence and the power of thoughtful design.