Pro Bono - AWARE
AWARE: Angel Wings Animal Rescue & Education
OPIN, Inc., Stamford, CT
Architectural Schematic Design Services, Capital Campaign Materials
Through the design pro bono organization 1+, HQA and Opin, Inc. began a working relationship for the benefit of animals in need. OPIN has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for their new facility Angel Wings Animal Rescue & Education (A.W.A.R.E.) facility. It will serve both pets in crisis, such as those in need of families and those experiencing domestic violence, and the wider community through education programs, simple medical procedures, and as a community-gathering venue. To support OPIN's fundraising goals, HQ Architects design and provided them with schematic drawings, diagrams and an architectural write-up of their new facility for their capital campaign materials.
OPIN's design of the Angel Wings Animal Rescue & Education facility is animal-centric. The majority of the space is dedicated to the rescue cats, dogs and small animals, creating temporary but comforting homes for them while they await unification with their forever families. Dogs are given adequate, home-like interior spaces, as well as views of and immediate access to the outdoors. Cats and small animals are separated by both security doors and distance to provide noise dampening from their canine neighbors. While the small animals are kept interior to provide best humidity and light control, the cats have access to views of the exterior courtyard. For all animals, their accommodations are flexible, allowing the largest of dogs and cats (or dog and cat families) the stretching space they need, and the smallest of animals a proportional and secure feeling space where they feel comforted. And every cat has visual access, and every dog has immediate access to the outdoors. Landscaping, trees and, most importantly, the sun are embraced and brought through the entire design through strategically placed windows and glass doors.
Supporting AWARE's mission to foster healthy and enduring relationships between pets and their forever families, the facility is designed to accommodate a litany of supportive programming. Community, Conference and Indoor Training Rooms provide space for educating pet or future pet owners, a Boutique is situated to help new pet families acquire the tools they need for a successful beginning, a Medical and Safe Room Wing provides a quiet and secure place for recovery and nurturing for animals seeking respite, such as from domestic violence, and a Chapel and Court of Reflection provide a place of solace and counseling for those grieving their departed, as well as other community services, such as animal blessings and celebrations.
AWARE is also designed to promote community connection beyond education outreach. The Boutique and Cafe are a magnet for the community, as well as an additional source of revenue. Furthermore, the Community Room is designed to operate as both an educational space as well as a rentable space, expandable to both the Welcome Area and Courtyard, and able to be serviced by the adjacent Kitchen.