Cat Sanctuary

The Fir Cat Sanctuary was my final Capstone project. I designed the building myself, as well, as, the floor plan. Cat overpopulation impacts the world in many ways. Unfortunately, one of our solutions to this problem is to just eradicate all the unwanted animals. Through my research, I found that the lack of proper equipment, facilities, and housing further exacerbate this problem. Therefore, the solution to this problem is a cat sanctuary located in Salem, Oregon that specializes in the rehabilitation, adoption, and general housing of cats. Likewise, proper spay and neuter surgeries for cats entering the facility will cut down on additional cats being born, thus, decreasing cat overpopulation. Additionally, it will provide housing and services to cats who have already been impacted by cat overpopulation. In order to complete this project, I thoroughly researched sustainability, cat psychology, and sustainable marketing.

This is the final floor plan. It has been split up based on its function. One side is for cats who are entering the facility, meaning the community is dropping them off and the other side is for cats leaving the facility, meaning the community adopts them.

Moreover, the floor plan itself has been split up based on the cats who are being housed within each area. First, we have the FCV positive cats that are considered contagious and therefore must be kept away from the others. Then, there are the handicapped feral cat areas for those who are unable to be adopted, however, they would be taken advantage of in the feral cat courtyard so they must be kept away.

Next, is the feral cat courtyard. This is where unadoptable feral cats who are perfectly healthy will live. Finally, we have the rehabilitation room where those who have been abandoned by their owners will live until they are ready to be adopted. Through my research, I found that cats who have been abandoned by their owners require a period of rehabilitation to become reacquainted and trusting of humans again.

Therefore, this is short-term living with the end goal of moving to the adoption spaces as opposed to the other areas that are long-term living. These adjacent playrooms are where the rehabilitation sessions will commence. Volunteers will offer one-on-one attention to these cats.

Reception

The reception area welcomes guests into the facility. Moreover, the entire area has been furnished using sustainable materials. The space also features skylights which take advantage of daylighting within the facility.

Reception (Sitting Area)

This is where the community can learn about the facility and the difference it is making, as well as, learn about how they can make a difference.

Handicapped Feral Cat Sunroom

This is the sunroom for the handicapped feral cats. Through my research, I found that cats thrive in nature. However, due to the delicate nature of the cats within this area, they are unable to go outside. However, they have been given a sunroom so they can interact with nature properly. Moreover, the cutouts in the room allow for cats to enter and exit the space freely.

Rehabilitation Cat Room

This room offers cats the ability to climb the wall, hide in the tents or cat trees, or simply run around. The cutouts in the room also allow for cats to enter and exit the space freely.