Posted Nov. 15, 2008, 3 a.m. EST
This cat condo, designed by architect Bartholomew Voorsanger, features a dangling fish toy made of crystals. |
The Animal Medical Center (
AMC), a nonprofit animal hospital in New York City, has unveiled three luxury pet houses that will be auctioned off as part of its annual benefit. The one-of-a-kind cat condo, doghouse and birdhouse are up for bid on eBay, and will be auctioned off live at the AMC’s Top Dog Gala on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in New York City.
The money raised from the event will be used to help support the AMC’s mission of promoting the health and well-being of companion animals through advanced treatment, research and education. Last year, the Top Dog Gala raised more than $1 million for the AMC. Organizers expect to meet that mark this year.
Jeffrey Klausner, AMC’s CEO and president, said the funds raised by the nonprofit are “incredibly critical” to support the organization’s mission and its charity programs. “It’s going to be even more important here as we move forward these next couple of years,” he said, referring to the country’s struggling economy.
This is the first time that the AMC has commissioned architects to create items for auction. The style and excitement of a Harley- Davidson motorcycle was the muse for Bartholomew Voorsanger’s cat condo. Vorrsanger, of Voorsanger Architects in New York, used metal, metallic paint in a shimmering rainbow of tangerine, purple and lime, and faux fur in the condo’s construction. The top of the condo features a dangling fish toy made of crystals.
William Pedersen and Trent Tesch, of KPF in New York, used a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine to sculpt birch plywood into a doghouse reminiscent of a nautilus shell.
Sandi Pei, of Pei Partnership Architects LLP in New York, designed the birdhouse, which is made of both bronze-painted and stainless steel. Pei said his inspiration came from pavilions he designed for Tianfu Square in Chengdu, China.
Founded in 1910, the AMC is one of New York City’s largest facilities for veterinary care, research and education. It receives about 50,000 patient visits each year and offers a variety of free or subsidized charity programs, including the Frank V.D. Lloyd Fund for Guide Dogs, Seniors’Animal Veterinary Effort and Patient Assistance Fund.