A design team from Appalachian State University’s Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment (STBE) delivered a redesign package for the outdoor dog play yard at the Watauga Humane Society (WHS).
Supported by a $4,000 educational research agreement between the university and the humane society, the project was led by faculty Sonny Park, alongside two STBE students: senior Michael Mileski and graduate student Lucy Jacobowitz.
The final design package was accepted by WHS leadership, earning high praise from shelter management. "This is perfect! Thank you, Sonny and team, for the patience and dedication to this project," wrote Ashlee Yepez, Director of Shelter Operations at Watauga Humane Society.
The project tackled several key spatial and environmental challenges to create a safe, durable, and accessible environment for shelter staff, volunteers, and rescue dogs:
- Regulatory & ADA Compliance: The existing yard fell short of state regulations for dog parks and animal shelters as well as ADA accessibility guidelines. The team prioritized compliance by integrating firm, stable surfaces across walkways, entry points, and gathering spaces.
- Functional & Safe Zonation: Designed around canine behavior and daily shelter operations, the plan features separate play areas for large and small dogs, double-gate airlock entries for secure handling, and a dedicated cleaning zone equipped with a dog wash.
- Site & Climate Adaptability: To handle Boone’s unique climate and sloped terrain, the design places an outdoor pavilion on the flattest terrain while specifying cold-hardy landscaping and weather-resistant surface materials built to endure heavy snow and high winds.For the student designers, the project provided a rare opportunity to apply sustainable design principles to a real-world community project.
"The Watauga Humane Society Project helped me explore the intersection of landscape and structure. Giving me the ability to be a part of a team which created a safe space for staff and animals to grow." - Michael Mileski, STBE Senior
"Working with the Watauga Humane Society showed me how thoughtful design can support the everyday needs of both animals and the people who care for them. Translating the client’s priorities into a dog park design made the work feel especially meaningful." -Lucy Jacobowitz, STBE Graduate Student
STBE Watauga Humane Society thumb
STBE Watauga Humane Society thumb