Animal-Centered Design
Course Number: 111
Non-human animals are routinely used for profit or product, and as a result, suffer greatly in our society. Animal sanctuaries provide a glimpse of a different world; one in which animals are provided with protected spaces and treated as equals. A new initiative is taking shape that can aid sanctuaries, and individuals, in their goal of bettering animals' lives: Animal-Centered Design (ACD). In this course you will learn the basic principles of ACD, study examples of it in action within sanctuary settings, and consider how ACD can be applied to companion animals and beyond. This course will also touch on passive solar design, focusing on how proper orientation to the natural elements can benefit both animals and our environment. Readings and assignments are provided throughout the course to engage you directly in the animal sanctuary design process and to inspire you to make a positive change for animals.
A portion of the proceeds for this course support Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge.
Learning Objectives:
Class 1: Introduction to Farmed Animal Sanctuaries
Class 2: Principles of Animal-Centered Design
Class 3: Precedents in Animal-Centered Design
Class 4: Case Study I-Designing Spaces for Goats
Class 5: Case Study II-Designing Spaces for Ducks
Class 6: Animal-Centered Design for Companion Animals
Class 7: Passive Solar Design Strategies for Animal Spaces
Course Length
6 hours Self-Study (Instructors available by appointment in office hours)Learning Area
Animal Advocacy and Biodiversity Instructors
Lenore Braford
Lenore is the Founder and Animal Care Director at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. Lenore has over a decade of experience working with and enriching the lives of animals. Her commitment and passion for helping farm animals stems from her core beliefs in kindness, justice, and compassion for all living creatures. In 2012 Lenore founded the Refuge in Pittsboro, North Carolina where she leads a team of committed volunteers and staff in taking care of some of the most special individuals you will ever meet – the beloved animal residents.
Paul Drake
Paul is the designer and construction leader at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, where he is helping pioneer a new process called Animal Centered Design. He splits his time working at Hobbs Architects and volunteering at the Refuge. Paul received a bachelors from Oberlin College and a Master’s of Architecture from NC State University where he received the Kamphoefner and Catalano Scholarships for outstanding design work. He has a passion for designing sustainable structures that can improve the lives of animals of all types.