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Ma Yansong from MAD Architects, revealed “Niku Rug” a new design for Labradors, initiated and curated by Japanese graphic designer Kenya Hara, “Architecture for Dogs” invites Ma Yansong along with 13 internationally acclaimed architects and designers to examine a new medium of architecture for dogs. Moving from human scale to animal scale, each design is inspired by the distinctive characteristics of a specific canine breed to inform an architecture that considers the world according to dogs and creates a bond between dogs and their owners.

Known to be excellent family companions, the Labrador Retriever enjoys close proximity to its owners. In addition to their obedience, Labradors are an athletic breed meant for an active lifestyle in retrieving hunting game. Ma Yansong considers the ultimate reward for the loyal Labrador: a hefty cut of Niku—Japanese for “meat.” The Niku Rug is in a meat-shaped, DIY woolen dog pad that mimics the natural marbling textures found in meat though a simple palette of three colors. Offered in three distinct pattern-sizes, Niku Rug grows with the Labrador from puppy to adult dog and unlike traditional dog kennels, Niku Rug can easily move around the home to further cement the bond between pet and family.

The “Architecture for Dogs” exhibition will on display in Shanghai Himalayas Museum from Aug.8th –Oct. 11th, 2015. The exhibition series previously included Atelier Bow-Wow, Toyo Ito, MVRDV, Kengo Kuma, Konstantin Grcic, Kazuyo Sejima, Torafu Architects Inc. Naito Hiroshi, Shigeru Ban, Sou Fujimoto, Reiser+Umemoto, Hara Design Institute and Kenya Hara himself.

> via MAD