Isabella Pinazo

Paws and People explores the question: “How can the transformation of existing buildings create affordable, dog-inclusive housing models that strengthen community resilience in a dense urban neighbourhood?” The project reimagines the Collingwood Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Hall through adaptive reuse, pairing subsidised apartments with a foster-care facility for rescue dogs. By combining housing, shared amenities, and animal care within one collective framework, the proposal introduces a new model of living where companionship, responsibility and community support are embedded into the architecture.

Vere Street Facade Perspective

A street-level view highlighting the building’s relationship with the surrounding context. The facade design balances heritage sensitivity and contemporary form, activating the public realm with a pedestrian-friendly edge and strong visual porosity.

Internal Courtyard

A view into the shared courtyard designed as the social heart of the project. The space encourages passive surveillance and fosters community interaction, with landscaped edges and generous circulation to support connection between residents.

Ground Floor Plan - Public Interface

Plan drawing showing the integrated mix of retail, community facilities and circulation. The layout prioritises permeability and clear wayfinding, creating an engaging groundscape that welcomes the public into the site.

Typical Apartment Level

A representative floor plan demonstrating adaptable apartment layouts and efficient spatial organisation. The design enhances natural light and cross-ventilation while accommodating flexible living arrangements.

Massing Development Process

A step-by-step diagram illustrating the design evolution from initial volumetric studies to the final built form. The sequence highlights key urban design decisions, including setbacks, courtyard carving and alignment to surrounding streets.

Hoddle Street and Vere Street Elevations

Elevation drawings showing materiality, facade articulation and the building’s response to both major and local street conditions. The elevations demonstrate how the project integrates into its urban context through rhythm, scale and proportion.

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