Historically, architecture provided shared habitats for humans and livestock — before urban development separated these spaces, driven by economic motives. To maximise profit and minimise costs, livestock farms have resulted in densely-packed, suburban-fringes-bound spaces. Consequently, livestock and their habitats have faded from urban awareness, replaced by misconceptions and prejudices about farming practices.
If architecture could restore visibility to livestock, bridging this perceptual gap, it may be able to challenge prevailing misconceptions and irrational beliefs. Moving beyond human-centric designs to embrace animal presence could redefine relationships between humans and animals, addressing the overlooked crisis of livestock invisibility.
Establishing meaningful connections between humans and non-humans requires sensitivity. Unlike interpersonal relationships, non-humans’ psychological distance does not always correlate with physical proximity. When observing birds from inside a home, they remain perceived as external regardless of actual distance. Introducing wild animals directly into human living spaces, reducing physical proximity greatly, generates mutual discomfort, intensifying feelings of intrusion. Confining animals in cages within human environments may superficially reduce distance, yet ultimately results in hollow ownership when one party’s way of life is disregarded.
By contrast, the relationship formed with birds nesting beneath eaves illustrates a harmonious coexistence. These birds, choosing their nesting sites out of necessity, become equal participants sharing a common structure. Although physically external, their voluntary choice transforms our perception, acknowledging them as equals in a shared space. Historically, barns confined livestock within human-imposed boundaries. The present proposal seeks a new relationship reminiscent of birds under eaves—one rooted in coexistence rather than ownership.
This new approach centres architecture around animal behaviours, shared design elements, and reinterpreted forms. Pigs, cows, sheep, and humans each perceive the world uniquely due to distinct physical attributes and sensory experiences. Despite these differences, they can coexist beneath a shared architectural element: the roof. Thoughtfully designed roofs, tailored to each animal’s needs, create a unified yet differentiated habitat.
Pigs prefer low and deep eaves that offer security; cows thrive under higher, shallow eaves that permit expansive views; sheep require moderate eaves with louvers to soften intense light and noise. By aligning design with specific animal behaviours and senses, the animals naturally choose to inhabit these spaces, fostering mutual recognition and acceptance between humans and animals.
This is Porkitecture, located in Dunnae-myeon, Hoengseong-gun of Gangwon Province. Accommodations surround a central courtyard for pigs, cows, and sheep, integrating animal barns and the Seoul National University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences research centre. Facilities such as a library, classrooms, and dormitories support both visitors and researchers. These spaces offer visitors immersive experiences to challenge biases and provide researchers with opportunities to explore innovative approaches to livestock farming.
Roofs and eaves create environments where animals can autonomously choose their habitats. This choice redefines human-animal relationships, fostering equality and mutual respect. Recognising animals not merely as beings humans select, but as entities capable of selecting humans in return, encourages a genuine reflection on our relationship.
Ultimately, Porkitecture invites reconsideration of overlooked presences, illuminating hidden realities and encouraging thoughtful exploration of coexistence with other beings.