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Acrylic Walls and Terracotta Planters Enhancing Sensory Meditation Spaces

Author:
Måns Eriksson
Acrylic Walls and Terracotta Planters Enhancing Sensory Meditation Spaces
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With acrylic walls that filter light and terracotta planters that invite engagement, the design creates a sensory-rich environment dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Acrylic walls provide dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
02
Terracotta planters connect users to the sensory experience of taste.
03
Open layout encourages physical interaction with natural elements.
04
Semi-transparent partitions blend privacy with visual connection to nature.
05
Construction incorporates principles from traditional Japanese techniques for resilience.

The Pavilion of Senses is located within a lush natural environment and is designed as a space for meditation and reflection. Its purpose is to foster mindfulness through the active engagement of the five human senses: sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing. The design encourages visitors to connect deeply with themselves and the surrounding landscape.

Concept and Spatial Layout

Openness is a key feature of the pavilion, allowing light to enter freely and creating a connection to the outside world. The layout includes transparent elements that invite nature inside, offering views of the landscape while providing shelter. This combination makes the pavilion feel like a part of the environment rather than separate from it.

Sensory Engagement

Textured acrylic sheets are a prominent feature used throughout the pavilion to enhance visual experiences. They scatter natural light and create intriguing patterns on the surfaces. In addition to visual stimulation, edible plants in terracotta pots play a role in engaging taste. These plants not only contribute to the aesthetic but also evoke feelings of joy and care.

Acoustic and Tactile Elements

Sound and touch are essential to the overall experience in the pavilion. Natural sound, like birds chirping and leaves rustling, fills the space, contributing to a calm atmosphere suitable for meditation. The layout is intentionally open, allowing visitors to physically interact with materials from nature, such as tree bark and gravel, fostering a closer connection to their surroundings.

Structural Considerations

The pavilion takes cues from traditional Japanese building methods, focusing on flexibility and stability. Movement in the supports is made possible through non-fixed connections, adapting to the environment. This approach ensures a sturdy structure while making the design responsive to the natural world.

The pavilion's walls, made with semi-transparent materials, allow light to filter through while providing privacy. This design choice balances the need for enclosure with a visual connection to nature, creating an inviting space for reflection and meditation.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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