We’ve just wrapped up two great meetings concerning the Pet Lovers Wall and the coordination with related projects (the sculpture and the remodeling of the shelter.)  The first was a meeting at the city where everyone involved with all projects attended and the second was a meeting just with the project manager of the remodeling of the shelter.  Both meetings were great, and everything is moving along.

The Pet Lovers Wall be reviewed by the architect’s structural engineer and will be included with the landscape drawings for purposes of permitting.  The architects are going to include a concrete foundation sized for the weight and length of the wall, as well as designate other areas around the shelter where future walls can be built when the need for expansion arises.

Currently, we are in the process of finding a manufacturer in Albuquerque that will produce the bricks for us based on our brick model.  Both the architect and people from the city have said that they will be able to suggest concrete brick manufactures in town that we should talk with.  Additionally we need to start pricing plaques and engraving.  Originally we had planned on attaching the plaques with masonry screws, but after discussing it with the remodeling architects we have decided to use a Hilti adhesive epoxy to attach the plaques straight to the brick; easy, simple, cheap.

The remodeling of the animal shelter is set to start this December, which would mean that construction of the wall would occur sometime during next summer, most likely at the end.  Those of us here at 3foldstudio have budgeted time at either the end or beginning of winter break to complete the work necessary so that the wall can be constructed next summer.

3D printed model of a possible wall configuration

Here is a preliminary Pet Lovers Wall design in context. The flexible brick module will allow us to adapt the design while we build it on site. The base will be two brick courses wide with poured concrete filling the gap. This will provide stability for the upper portion of the wall while allowing seating on either side. The upper portion of the wall will be one course wide and curve to become the back of the seating on either side. The existing tree will provide shading. In this configuration there are 480 bricks and space for 500 aluminum plaques (a mix of 4”x8” picture plaques and 2”x8” name plaques)

This module can be expanded and adapted to weave through out the site as more space for memorial/donor plaques is needed. (click on images to enlarge)

For the Pet Wall we are exploring brick (either adobe or concrete) as the primary module. After researching, debating, and talking with an expert in adobe construction we have decided that adobe would not be a reasonable material choice; concrete it is.

An ideal brick module will sponsor a variety of curves to take advantage of the site (existing tree, paths, etc), provide a surface to attach memorial/donor plaques to, and allow for future expansion. Here is an initial brick design: (click on images to enlarge)

We are currently working on designing the “Paula Higgins Pet Lovers Wall” for the Albuquerque Eastside Animal Shelter. This is an incredible project, both for the tremendous design freedom and trust they have given us and because it benefits an exceptional cause. The wall will provide opportunities for pet-lovers to purchase plaques which honor their companions while supporting an organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate animals of Albuquerque.

The Eastside Animal Shelter is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

(click image to enlarge)