Superstudio 2019 - 3rd place

woof!
Sivko has lived through almost an ascetic life alongside Jože Plečnik. He has gotten to know him not only as an architect but also as a human being. Sivko’s features, such as allegiance, modesty, and hard work that he has learned from Plečnik, made him a perfect partner for an architect. He was fascinated by the opportunity to share these experiences, just as Plečnik did.
Consequently, he founded HAVU (translated to woof - academic vocational school). HAVU prepares dogs for life in close proximity to architects. The tuition takes place within the school campus and includes subjects like aesthetics, patience, physical education, obedience, and socialization.
The labyrinth, containing an installation with models of world-class architecture, polishes the pupil’s taste in a playful form. The temple of meditation teaches on how to put up with long hours spent in the studio. The pier of socialization, located on the side of the site, prepares for daily-based meetings with architects’ clients. Finally, the forest of mystery reveals the basics of furnishings’ utilization. The site ends with a meadow, as the physical condition of dogs is certainly not a thing to be dismissed.
Sivko’s house itself is the exact reflection of his values - simple typology, functional minima, direct contact with the exterior, and emphasis on quality materials in a blue-yellow combination. When searching for the right scale of design, we developed “Dogulor,” a set of harmonic proportions applicable to Sivko’s home. The architecture was influenced by the modernist movement. Its principles are in symbiosis with a dog’s concept of ideal space: pilotis don’t impede free movement around the garden, an open plan creates no barriers for the dog, and the ribbon window allows for keeping guard of the surroundings at all times.
Despite living on their own, Plečnik and Sivko are not separated. If needed, Sivko can visit Plečnik using an underground tunnel connecting both houses. Interactions with Plečnik are made possible by opening parts of the house, serving also as an outdoor workspace for the architect. Our design creates Sivko’s own space for self-actualization without forgetting the importance of his friendship with Plečnik.