In a world where pets are no longer just animals—they’re family—our cities are still playing catch-up. Services are fragmented, facilities are limited, and pet owners often find themselves navigating across town just to meet their furry companion’s basic needs.
For architecture student Xel Ylekzi T. Gonzales, that disconnect became the foundation of her thesis: “Pet Complex: Veterinary, Training, Hospitality and Retail Space.” More than just a facility, this project reimagines what pet care could look like in a modern, humane, and highly functional setting.
“It started from personal experience,” Xel shares. “As a pet lover growing up in Talisay, I saw how inconvenient and stressful it was to access essential services for pets. I wanted to design something better—something complete.”
A New Breed of Pet Space
Xel’s design isn’t just about architecture—it’s about empathy. Her concept blends four core functions—veterinary care, training, hospitality, and retail—into one cohesive complex that speaks to the emotional, behavioral, and logistical needs of both animals and humans.
The result? A space that doesn’t just serve pets—it understands them.
The complex features:
Separate entrances and waiting areas for cats and dogs to reduce anxiety
Isolation and recovery rooms for medical cases
Zoned play areas tailored to different pet sizes and temperaments
Covered walkways and lounging areas for owners
Retail spaces offering ethically sourced products
Training zones and event spaces for workshops, adoption events, and more
Every inch of the complex is grounded in behavioral design, with materials chosen for hygiene and comfort, and layouts informed by the Prospect-Refuge Theory—a balance of open spaces for exploration and private zones for rest and recovery.
Even the color palette is pet-friendly, carefully selected in tones from blue to yellow, the spectrum most visible to dogs and cats.
Where Wellness Meets Advocacy
But this isn’t just about convenience. At its core, Xel’s project is a platform for advocacy and responsible ownership. Through partnerships with animal welfare groups, the space can host health seminars, adoption events, and training sessions that educate the public and empower communities to care better and love deeper.
“I want the complex to be a landmark for compassion,” Xel explains. “A place that evolves with the growing awareness around animal welfare, but also actively contributes to it.”
As the pet care industry continues to grow in the Philippines, projects like this push the conversation forward—not just about design, but about how cities can evolve with care.
With this thesis, Xel Ylekzi T. Gonzales makes one thing clear: when we design for animals, we elevate the lives of humans, too.
#ThesisFeature#PetComplexPH#DesignWithEmpathy#AnimalWellness#FutureOfPetCare#ArchitectureForAll#PetFriendlyDesign#UrbanCompassion#LCCianExcellence#ResponsiblePetOwnership