Examination of the relationship between humans, animals, and spaces: Cat houses

There has been an enduring bond between humans and animals since prehistoric times. This bond has been reestablished in various ways over time, not only facilitating hunting in hunter-gatherer communities but also providing mutual health and well-being benefits for both humans and animals. The efforts to enhance the well-being of both parties in this dual relationship have brought the study of human-animal relationships into the realm of social sciences. The city is a phenomenon where nature and culture converge in a constant flow. As a dynamic and evolving entity, the city accommodates numerous living beings, including cats. This study examines how urban dwellers and institutions create space for street cats in the city and how they materialize these spaces. It also discusses the development of cat houses in urban areas through the interaction of different materials and actors. The study explores and addresses the relational network of cat houses, involving elements such as human craftsmanship, cat bodies, and weather conditions. The aim of these examinations is to encourage and improve temporary design decisions and design knowledge, proposing long-lasting and sustainable design choices instead of singular and temporary solutions.