

Arch Design Award
in
Architectural Design Category
Winner
Ruifang Animal Shelter
Designed by
Wei-Han Chen / C.W.H. Architect
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Ruifang Animal Shelter
Government Architecture
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Wei-Han Chen / C.W.H. Architect
chia-yu Chen / C.W.H. Architect









Photo Credits:
LCJ Studio
Copyrights:
New Taipei City Ruifang Animal Shelter
This reconstruction plan outlines a transformative vision for an animal shelter that has proudly served its community for over 30 years. However, after decades of operation, many of the facilities have become outdated, and the current spatial layout no longer accommodates the evolving needs of the animals. Recognizing this challenge, our team has placed animal welfare at the forefront of our design, embracing the concept of “home” as the guiding principle. To enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal, the design features a building characterized by a charming gabled roof and low floors, which harmoniously adapts to the slopes of the hillside. This thoughtful architectural approach not only blends seamlessly with the natural landscape but also minimizes environmental impact, ensuring that the shelter coexists beautifully with its surroundings. Moreover, we have prioritized sound absorption and noise reduction within the facility. By thoughtfully designing the interior spaces, we aim to create a peaceful environment that mitigates disturbances between the shelter's internal atmosphere and the outside world. Ultimately, our vision is to foster a warm and inviting shelter where animals can thrive in safety and comfort. By reshaping the building and its spaces, we aspire to enhance the overall experience for both the animals and potential adopters, thereby increasing the likelihood that visitors will choose to give these deserving animals a loving home. In this way, we hope to create a community hub that not only supports animal welfare but also nurtures meaningful connections between people and pets. The project's site, nestled on a picturesque hillside, features gentle slopes with inclines of 4 and 6 degrees. In order to honor and preserve the natural environment, the design team has strategically planned for a verdant open green space and capped the building height at a maximum of 12 meters.