A Playground for Non-Humans at the Architectural Association

A Playground for Non-Humans returns to Bedford Square this summer for the public – human and non-human – to enjoy.

Inspired by the Architecture for Dogs exhibition at Japan House London, A Playground for Non-Humans is a week of installations hosted by London’s prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA).

Installations include the Architecture for Dogs Roadshow: an interactive display of four architectural pieces designed for dogs by the world-renowned architects and designers Atelier Bow Wow, Kuma Kengo, MVRDV and Hara Kenya.

Accompanying the Roadshow is a selection of works specially created by members and friends of the AA as part of the school’s Architecture for Non-Humans design competition.

Developed in response to Architecture for Dogs, these works explore a selection of thought-provoking ideas that draw attention to the importance of non-human inhabitation, in its various and diverse forms, throughout the city environment. The chosen exhibits include proposals catering to squirrels, rats and worms. By shifting focus away from a human-centric perspective through a series of playful concepts and inspiring visions, its aim is to encourage care and empathy towards our non-human neighbours, triggering conversations surrounding alternative models of urban living that embrace the challenges of today.

The AA’s Architecture for Non-Humans competition and exhibition in Bedford Square were made possible thanks to the generous support of Maeda Corporation, Japan.

Please visit the AA’s webpage for guidance on visiting the interactive display.

The Architecture for Dogs exhibition was on display at Japan House London between September and December 2020.

Click here to visit the 3D virtual exhibition.