A cafe where dogs and humans can bond over the two things they love most: food & each other.
This project was aimed at finding a solution to the following question: "How might we create a space that can improve the quality of life for both humans and dogs?"
Humans and dogs love food, to the point where it functions past basic survival. And in these modern times, people can find themselves separated from their precious pooches for most of the day - be it for work, outings, or the simple lack of spaces available for their four legged friends. I wanted to create a space that combined these species love for food with the ability for them to enjoy it together. Dogs bring so many benefits to people and vice versa, so this space needed to bring joy to both.
30 W 40th Street : an Unsuspecting Site
You may be asking yourself why an old parking garage?
The Watering Bowl Cafe is situated within an indoor dog park that is located in an old parking garage. This garage is a huge building - and with no walls, there's plenty of space for running around the indoor dog park. Its easy accessibility also makes two or four-legged individual capable of getting there. Cincinnati is pretty gross out for most of the year, but dogs still need their exercise. This completely covered enclosure has the square footage of any outdoor park, with the protection from the elements that they lack.
Mood : Backyard Bliss
The Big Idea: The Table To End All Tables
Drawing inspiration from the 330-meter long "super table" designed by Clive Wilkenson Architects for Barbarian Group Advertising Agency, I wanted to create one continuous table loop throughout the space, in order to symbolically and literally connect everyone and their dogs to each other. This helps drive home the idea of community, which Wilkenson focused on for his office space. Community, and connection, is a large part in bettering the lives of these dogs and their owners, so I wanted to bring that idea into the cafe. There would be three distinct areas of the overall table in order to cater to three different types of relationships between owner and pet.
Table Level 1: Acquaintances
for those dogs that have food aggression & the owners that can't deal
When your pup has food aggression, sit down in the first table zone, the acquaintance abode, where your dog can go under the table and be shielded from other dogs while the food is out. You'll sit in front of them. They'll feel secure, and so will you, knowing your doggo won't be getting into a fight. Wooden panels on a track system adjust to the sizes of different dogs. Panels can be locked in place and removable food bags are placed on panels for pups to get at.
Table Level 2: Friends
for those couples that truly believe dogs are mans' bff
When you want to get a little bit closer than just having Fido on the floor, the friend zone table level 2 allows for your relationship with your dog to blossom! A vertical track system under the table top allows for dog food stations to be adjusted to the height of the pooch. When the dog is done eating, they can sit under their previous table in a cozy oasis or on top.
Table Level 3: Family
for those folks that think 4 legs are the same as 2
With the top of the table at 18" AFF, you are right down at the same level as your pup! Floor sitting is the way to any dog's heart after all.
The Watering Bowl : Zoning
