atelier alter architects presents co-habitable object

 

Atelier Alter Architects’ Co-Habitable Object gradually expands from small to large to explore the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals within a shared space. The project led by Xiaojun Bu and Yingfan Zhang invites both species to connect on a physical level and share meaningful moments together within the abstract and organic form. It is comprised of adaptable modules that can extend horizontally in a 120-degree angle and vertically through mirroring, offering versatile configurations to form spaces or furniture that can be used by humans externally. Internally, the subtractive spheres are deliberately distributed along the axis, resulting in a collection of interconnected round caves that can be used by the animals. The overall collection presents a range of possibilities, allowing different quantities of units to create diverse variations — from urban furniture to traversable walls.

atelier alter architects' co-habitable object fosters human + animal coexistence
all images courtesy of Atelier Alter Architects

 

 

fostering meaningful moments between animals and humans

 

In an opportunity to design a house for small animals, Atelier Alter Architects began with questioning whether humans can also participate and benefit from the creation. Traditionally, human-centric spaces adhere to specific dimensions, such as chair heights around 450mm, railings at 900mm, chest-level counters at 1350mm, all corresponding to the average human height of 1800mm. In contrast, small animals typically inhabit in subtractive spaces like caves. To bridge this gap, the designers employed a simple approach by using a form with a height of 450mm with its outer face conforming to the curvature of the human body. Through a series of ellipsoidal subtractions, the team created cave-like units tailored to the nesting habits of small animals.

atelier alter architects' co-habitable object fosters human + animal coexistence
Atelier Alter Architects presents Co-Habitable Object 

atelier alter architects' co-habitable object fosters human + animal coexistence
comprised of adaptable modules that can extend horizontally in a 120-degree angle and vertically through mirroring

atelier alter architects' co-habitable object fosters human + animal coexistence
subtractive spheres are deliberately distributed along the axis, resulting in a interconnected round caves

interlocked modules of co-habitable object foster human and animal coexistence
its form with a height of 450mm has an outer face conforming to the curvature of the human body

atelier alter architects' co-habitable object fosters human + animal coexistence
the modules enable versatile configurations and use

 

 

co habitable object 3
exploring the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals within a shared space

co habitable object 5
the cave-like units are tailored to the nesting habits of small animals

co habitable object 4
an organic form

 

 

project info:

 

name: Co-Habitable Object
designer: Atelier Alter Architects
design team: Xiaojun Bu, Yingfan Zhang

design development team: Fan Meng, Nan Yin, Yinjun Huang, Yuwei Yang, Geng Xinhua, Liang Mengting

fabrication consultant: Yonglin Wang

production and sales: Shenzhen Laijinhu Home Co., Ltd.

 

 

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom