Milan Design Week has just finished, and it reserved a significant space to the influence that pets have on modern design.
Once again, interest in the pet world was demonstrated both at the Salone del Mobile and to the Fuorisalone events. In particular, Quattrozampeinfiera in collaboration with The Had (Human Animal Design) created a domestic pet-friendly space for dogs and cats, but the attention to the animal figure shown by a multitude of designers exhibiting their new projects during the famous home and furniture fair did not go unnoticed either.
The ‘Giardino Tattile’: what it is
The domestic space for cats and dogs created by Quattrozampeinfiera in collaboration with The Had (Human Animal Design) is called ‘Tactile Garden’ and is inspired by Bruno Munari’s Wood, with the aim of making pet-parents reflect on the theme of sharing spaces with pets.
Just as the artist and designer Munari supported the need to help children grow all of their senses, the installation was created with the aim of making domestic environment as harmonious as possible for pet-tenants, dogs and cats alike. It is a home that is attentive to the characteristics and needs of each animal, while at the same time encouraging their adaptation.
The sections of the ‘Giardino Tattile’
The ‘Giardino Tattile’ consists of four walls or sections designed by Amelia Valletta and Marco Maggioni. Each one of them is made of tactile materials that stimulate our pets’ senses. The surfaces are in fact designed to enhance their sense perception, even in an environment that is very different from their natural habitat.
One of the walls in question is dedicated to cats. It is a blue surface made of jute cloth and raw wood. It was created with the intention of stimulating the natural curiosity and playfulness that characterize the behaviour of cats, such as climbing, hopping and scratching.
In the centre of the installation emerges the ‘meandri’ section. These are huge sofas where pet-parents can lie down with their pets. This area strengthens their relationship through rituals of proximity and sharing spaces and resources. It is a true place of coexistence where the point of view of man and animal coexist, taking into account the needs of everyone.
The influence of the pet world on design
Design and fashion have always been fascinated by the animal world, just think of animalier fabrics or wallpapers with animal printings, and again, this year during the Salone del Mobile a multitude of designers presented projects featuring animals. Marbled patterns depicting animal figures, lamps in the shape of exotic birds, fluffy sofas with resting huge white bears, and even burners in the shape of birds. In short, the animal world is increasingly integrated into our lives, so much so that it also inspires the furnishing of our homes.
A pet-friendly world
This focus on the animal world makes us reflect further on the influence of pets on our lives. Furthermore, thinking about a housing solution that can embrace the needs of our four-legged friends gives us a new and exciting vision of a change that can be sustainable and inclusive towards all living beings.
With this in mind, Ferplast reaffirms its commitment to creating products that can help more and more animals and pet-parents in their daily lives, through research into innovative and sustainable solutions.