Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo · CLIENT: Dongliang Lu
This modular system redefines shared domestic space for humans and pets through a flexible and adaptable design approach. The project integrates pet activities into contemporary interiors, transforming furniture into an interconnected spatial system. Modular units can be arranged on floors or walls, while circular openings support natural pet movement and visual connection with users. Tool free assembly and flat pack design enhance flexibility, sustainability, and user participation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This project introduces a modular human-pet shared living system that integrates pet activities into contemporary domestic space, four adaptable modules can be freely configured on walls or floors to create interactive pathways, resting areas, and feeding zones, circular openings support natural pet movement while maintaining visual and spatial connections with users, the flat-pack structure and tool-free assembly improve flexibility, user participation, and support sustainable living practices
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Product dimensions 330 x 330 x 330mm, 660 x 330 x 330mm, 660 x 330 x 660mm, 660 x 330 x 660mm
Packaging size 350 x 350 x 120mm, 680 x 350 x 110mm, 680 x 680 x 110mm, 680 x 680 x 110mm - Tags
- human pet cohabitation system, modular living infrastructure, spatial interaction design, adaptive domestic environment, lifestyle integration innovation
- Production Technology
- The product is manufactured using a CNC automated production line that enables batch size one customization, integrated CAD and CAM workflows ensure precise machining of each component, the structure is made from BS 1088 certified marine grade birch plywood with Baltic birch veneers bonded using WBP phenolic resin for void free and moisture resistant construction, invisible connectors from Lamello are used with the Clamex system, allowing detachable assembly without visible hardware, CNC machined T slot grooves ensure accurate alignment and structural fit
- Design Challenge
- A key challenge was addressing the growing social shift toward human pet cohabitation within limited urban living spaces, conventional furniture separates pet activities from human environments, creating spatial conflict and reduced interaction, the project required balancing pet behavior, human comfort, and spatial efficiency within a unified system, through iterative prototyping and behavioral observation, the design overcame structural, usability, and adaptability challenges, enabling flexible configurations that support shared living and evolving domestic lifestyles
- Project Duration
- The project was launched in beijing in early 2021, the collection was manufactured in a furniture factory in pizhou jiangsu and achieved mass production after eighteen months of development, it debuted at the Tops pet fair in hangzhou in july 2022 and was later exhibited at the Asia pet fair in shenzhen in september 2022, where it was selected for the U plus demo show, the design received both utility model and design patents in september 2022, in 2023, the product became available through the self operated platform of JD.com
- Operation Flow
- Users assemble the modules by slotting components together without tools, the units can be placed on floors or mounted on walls according to different spatial needs, modules can be freely combined to form resting, feeding, or passage areas, pets move naturally through circular openings that connect each unit, while owners can adjust layouts over time, the system supports continuous reconfiguration and enables shared interaction and adaptable living environments for both humans and pets
- Research
- This project employs applied design research to explore shared living solutions for humans and pets, the objective was to develop adaptable furniture promoting interaction and spatial coexistence, a user centered methodology combined behavioral observation with iterative spatial prototyping, data were gathered from pet movement patterns and domestic usage scenarios using modular testing tools, pet owners and their animals participated in evaluations, results demonstrated improved flexibility and engagement, strengthening product differentiation and commercial competitiveness
- Inspiration
- The design was inspired by the evolving relationship between humans and pets in contemporary urban living, where pets increasingly share emotional and spatial roles within the home, by observing how pets naturally seek connection, movement, and proximity to their owners, the project explores ways to merge pet activities with everyday living environments, this approach transforms furniture into a shared spatial system that supports interaction, coexistence, and adaptable lifestyles
- Image Credits
- Image 1 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 2 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 3 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 4 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 5 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Video credits photographed at the production factory in 2022 by designers Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo - Patents
- This design project has obtained patent certificates including utility model patent ZL202221330204 8 and design patents ZL202230327258 8, ZL202230327285 5, ZL202230327413 6, registered in China
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