Barkitecture

by Fred Albert

From miniature chateaus to modernist boxes, from anthropomorphic abodes to classical temples, this book showcases nearly fifty one-of-a-kind doggy domiciles from across America.

In Barkitecture, architecture and design writer Fred Albert has collected some of the most wonderful and fantastic doghouses ever created. Examples include doghouses with clock towers and thatch roofs, doghouses shaped like TV sets, and even some that look like dogs.

The book begins with an introduction that includes an entertaining history of the doghouse, accompanied by photos and drawings of noteworthy historical examples. Four Chapters "Putting on the Dog" highlights stylish period reproductions; "Modern Barkitecture" includes cutting-edge "Bowhouse" designs; "A Breed Apart" features houses inspired by everyday objects; and the final chapter, "Puppourri," showcases wacky, one-of-a-kind structures that defy categorization.

Each house is illustrated by one or two color images and is accompanied by a witty, tounge-in-jowl text that describes the structures design and building materials, the creators inspirations, and their dogs reactions.

Genres: Dogs, Architecture, Nonfiction, Art, Animals

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[SmarterLilac · Rating 4 out of 5]

In honor of my dog, Hobbs, who died this week, I read this fantastic book about dog houses. Creative and smart, some of them are better than the actual house I live in right now.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fun romp of a book. I was disappointed that many dogs didn't care for their custom houses - I didn't think each one was a winner, myself - and thought this book was perhaps more of a vanity project of the author's. Photography and writing were uneven but it was interesting to see such a variety. I did learn that there's a Dog Museum, now in NYC.

[MKF · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

[Jhawn]

Funny to look at

[Sungyena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m absolutely charmed by this art book about doghouses.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

My partner found and bought this on a whim, at a charity booksale. We both enjoyed looking through it. Lots of full colour photos filling the pages, plus text to accompany each one. Some of the dog houses were practical, some not so much. Some were very clever, some minimalist, some lavish. Most were very creative. I don't even have a dog (I'm more of a cat person) but even I could appreciate the imagination, whimsy and skill involved in most of these works. A fun book, and you don't even need to be a dog fanatic or a student of architecture to enjoy it.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful houses for your dog! I found six that would suit my precious Criss perfectly! Every great dog needs to be rewarded and these houses are just perfect.... plus the book was written and many of the houses featured in it were built to benefit a great cause. I just love looking through it over and over.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Photos of elaborate dog houses. None were exceptionally impressive. Some were creative, but many looked like (and were) home projects. I did learn from one page that there is a Dog Museum in St. Louis, something none of the guidebooks I've looked at for my upcoming trip mentioned.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty well guaranteed to amuse me. Dogs and architecture, how could you possibly go wrong? It's no great architectural treatise, so feel free to just enjoy the pictures. :)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend sent this as a housewarming gift. Loved reading about all of the fun, whimsical dog houses created by some famous artists/architects!