Los Angeles Architects Design Innovative Shelters for Homeless Cats
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 16, 2016 -- One of Los Angeles’ most unique design events—Architects for Animals® “Giving Shelter” exhibit—returned to the HermanMiller Showroom in Culver City on March 10th. The sold-out event was a fundraiser for LA-based nonprofit FixNation, which provides free spay/neuter services for homeless cats.
Architects for Animals® invited LA’s top architecture and design firms to build and donate creative and functional outdoor dwellings for cats, which were displayed at a cocktail reception open to the public. Kate Benjamin, co-author of Catify to Satisfy and Catification (written with Animal Planet cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy), hosted a Hauspanther Style Lounge featuring hip cat-centric products and home décor. Also on display were over two dozen cat food bowls decorated by feline-loving celebrities—including Clint Eastwood, William Shatner and Betty White—which are now available for purchase via auction on ebay.
Participating firms included Abramson Teiger Architects; CallisonRTKL; DSH // architecture; the team of Formation Association, Arktura, BuroHappold; HOK; Knowhow Shop; Lehrer Architects; Perkins and Will; RNL; Pfeiffer Partners Architects; Standard Architecture | Design; and the team of Warren Office + Schmidt Designs.
The breadth of designs was remarkable. Some incorporated items such as built-in feeding bowls, toy mice, and even an actual fishbowl (with live fish); others were accompanied by video showing cats interacting with the shelters, an added touch that brought the projects to life.
"That was the best part, seeing how these shelters can be translated for the real world and used by homeless cats," noted one guest. "It raises awareness about the need for programs like FixNation’s.”
“Some of the most talented architects and designers in the city participated, creating practical and humane solutions that allow people and homeless cats to co-exist in our community,” said FixNation Co-Founder and Executive Director Karn Myers.
In Myers’ words, “Using lethal methods to control the population of homeless cats is not only cruel, it simply doesn’t work. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a much more effective and compassionate alternative. Our mission at FixNation is to manage colonies of community cats and gradually reduce their number through sterilization.”
Celebrity painted cat bowls and Hauspanther items are available by auction. Select cat shelters will be available for auction soon, please check the FixNation website.
About FixNation
FixNation is an award-winning nonprofit that provides Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for homeless cats in Los Angeles. The organization provides a free full-time spay/neuter clinic for homeless cats as well as affordable spay/neuter services for pet cats.
About Architects for Animals
Architects for Animals® plans one-night events benefiting select animal welfare organizations.
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Angel Waldron, CharityWise, http://www.fixnation.org, +1 (310) 953-4314 Ext: 703, [email protected]
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