From arrival to pet adoption, the design fosters a safe, friendly atmosphere for adoptive families to meet dogs and cats. By embracing the scale of the existing garage, the design creates a new visitor interface that is a welcoming, bright attraction within the Harlem streetscape. The design emphasizes daylight, interaction between families and staff, and the highest level of animal care. Retaining the existing 1930s garage meant complying with a zoning code that prevents changing the apertures. The design strategy was to place large glass windows into the area of the existing garage doors on both ends and to open the skylights. The front façade is playful, reflecting the joy of adoption. The lenticular effect of color on the sides of the fins means that as you walk by, the color flickers from soft grey to brightness. Inside, instead of a front desk, families sit together around a table with the staff for conversation. The use of a frit on all glass surfaces reduces animal anxiety. The design embraces responsible materiality for intensive cleaning but couples that with moments of pattern, graphic whimsy, and brightness. HVAC systems and individual kennel sewage for the dogs all exceed best practices.

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