Russian For Fish: BowWow Basil
Russian For Fish’s latest design is not one bit subtle. Inspired by the majestic Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square, the structure comprises a grand staircase that leads up to an ornate dome formed of delicate detailing, somewhat akin to fish scales. The client? A Russian Toy Terrier.
Russian For Fish is one of 80 or so architects, designers and artists that have been tasked with creating a dog kennel for a charity project organised by Outdoor Arts Foundation in aid of the Blue Cross. After being exhibited all over London, the kennels will be auctioned off in May to raise money for Blue Cross for Pets, a charity that helps more than 40,000 animals in need each year.
The BowWow Basil kennel is still being made, but, as always, we let our impatience get the better of us. Below Pereen d'Avoine, founder of Russian For Fish, gives a sneak preview of what’s in store.
Why did you want to get involved in the BowWow Haus project?
We have been longtime fans of Architecture For Dogs so we were super excited to have the opportunity to design a kennel! Also, the opportunity to have it displayed at St Pancras for several weeks, before being auctioned to raise money for The Blue Cross, was too tempting to miss.
Tell us a little bit about the thinking behind the design for the kennel?
The brief called for the kennel to be designed for a specific dog. We wanted to give a small dog a big view and when we began researching small dogs breeds we came across the Russian Toy Terrier – that was the dog for us! We wanted to work with an iconic Russian architectural form. St Basil’s Cathedral was the obvious choice. When it was built in 1555- 61 it was Moscow’s tallest building.
Do you have a dog or any other pets?
I’ve never had a dog – we’ve always had family cats growing up: Fay Wray, Marvin and Aretha! But in my heart of hearts, I’m a goldfish kinda girl. I'm busy angling for a new one at home , or possibly the new studio!
The design is much more maximalist than the pared-back residential architecture that Russian For Fish is known for. Are there any similarities between your BowWow Haus and recent full-size projects?
The design obviously takes inspiration from St Basil’s, hence the ornate nature of the mouldings and the beautiful fish scales on the dome. We could have gone for another pattern, but fish scales seemed apt. It also allows us to play with pattern and colour, which we really enjoy! This is really apparent in our architecture: from the bold black and white painted chequered floor in City View House and the peppermint green of Walford Road, to the yellow kitchen at Beresford Road. We have also recently produced a screen print of a recent completion entry on mandarin orange paper!
The kennel is on a much smaller scale than an interior, so could be a little more ‘in-your-face.” We hope Basil’s owner, whoever it may be, will LOVE it!
Where will your kennel be located and will it respond to the local environment at all?
The kennel is to be exhibited in St Pancras station in King’s Cross, by the John Betjeman statue! We are super thrilled to have that location!
Were there any unexpected challenges to working at this scale?
We are still in the process of making it, but we are lucky enough to be collaborating with modelmaker Danny Steadman, who is amazingly talented. We get to talk about various construction techniques and have had a few tests 3D-printed to ensure it is the right proportion.
There’s more than 75 architects, designers or artists involved in the project. What designs are you most excited about seeing and why?
We've met Alfie, so we’re looking forward to seeing Brian O'Tuama Architects’ kennel. Studio Shaw's looks pretty interesting and we like the Bark-alona Pavilion pun from DH Liberty. Then of course there is Zara Hadid Architects. Chris Dyson Architects is busy building, but so far their design has been totally kept under wraps. Oh the intrigue!
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8 Andrews Road
London
E8 4QN