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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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