Manhattan PET ADOPTION CENTER

Balancing joyful warmth with specialized utility, this space is a tailor-made facility for an organization that provides care and placements for homeless animals.

The Manhattan Pet Adoption Center provides a dedicated adoption facility for the Manhattan Animal Care Center operated by Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City. The design transforms an existing garage into a lively and welcoming community facility, offering a safe and healthy environment for animals and humans alike.

The building façade creates a playful lenticular effect for visitors and passers-by. Vertical fins painted in a gradient of yellows, greens, and blues appear to flicker softly as the viewer moves along the street and sidewalk. A viewing window to the Cat Colony attracts interest and attention.

Stepping inside, the lobby welcomes adoptive families with a friendly mural and a large communal table where interactions with staff feel more collegial than administrative. “Meet and greet” rooms provide space to safely engage with animals.

Back of house spaces are thoughtfully designed to be safe and comfortable. Glass partitions with a graphic frit pattern let animals see one another while preventing direct eye contact, which increases a sense of security and reduces aggression. Animal care infrastructure and equipment are carefully integrated.