A Level Design Project Advice

[Rafe]

Hello all,
I am a 17 year old A level Design Student who has recently decided to research and hopefully construct a kennel designed for urban domestic use, particularly in built up, dense areas where space is a premium. The kennel itself will feature inbuilt noise cancelling technology to help dampen surrounding noise as not to disturb the dog inside, as well as possibly act as a piece of furniture, giving the product dual usage. I am currently doing extensive research around my project - leading me here. I would like some input from you guys as ! am sure you are all far more knowledgeable on the subject than me. While I have lived with dogs all my life, I am a stranger to urban living and so would love some opinions/information regarding my project. Any of the following would be especially appreciated;

1). Whether you think the premise is good or not.
2). Opinions on aesthetic choices (materials, design aesthetics, general appearance etc).
3). Any safety regulations or standards my product would have to pass.
4). Any other information you feel would be beneficial to my project.

Feel free to be as honest as you'd like as I am genuinely interested to hear what you all think about my project. Thanks for reading!

 

[JoanneF]

Is this for indoor or outdoor use?

 

[Rafe]

Is this for indoor or outdoor use?

Outdoor use ideally however I imagine the product would be useable indoors.

 

[Hemlock]

It would be difficult to find a model for outdoor use that would be suitable for indoor. However, here are some thoughts about outdoor:

Kennel must have a run attached so dog can choose whether to be inside its kennel or outside enjoying good weather and scents. Wire for run should be extremely strong, and any wooden supports should be on the outside of the wire so they can't be chewed. Anything a dog can reach to chew is likely to be chewed.
Must be weatherproof but not encourage condensation from dog body heat
Should allow easy access for the human so bedding can be changed
Water should be fixed to the run so can't be tipped over.
Aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder as well as the nature and needs of the dog. Some dogs like a bit of screening from the outside world, and some like to keep an eye on everything outside. So maybe optional or partial screening.
Out in the run, many dogs like a platform to lie on. This should not be too high so that injury risk from jumping down onto a hard surface is kept to a minimum.
You need to consider drainage, especially from deep cleaning and heavy rain.
Roof should be steep to discourage cats and wildlife from sitting on it and annoying the dog.
Consider security. Many dogs are stolen from kennels. Thieves use bolt croppers and wire cutters. CCTV is a good idea.

I'm sure others will have plenty to add, and I might think of more as well. Good luck with your project.