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Bamboo Curves and Indigo Hues in a Small Meditation Cabin

Author:
Maria Sofokleous
Bamboo Curves and Indigo Hues in a Small Meditation Cabin
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Bamboo frames shaped with steam create a gentle curve, while a gradient of indigo to white fabric ensures privacy in this small meditation cabin designed for urban reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo frames are shaped using a steaming method to achieve unique curves.
02
The installation features a color gradient that transitions from indigo to white for visual depth.
03
Privacy is enhanced through the use of cotton fabric, providing a comfortable interior.
04
The entrance design encourages users to bend down, promoting humility and equality.
05
Strategically located near urban Metro entrances, it invites spontaneous reflection.

The "21 grams" project is an architectural installation designed for meditation and quiet reflection. Positioned in busy urban areas like Metro entrances and public squares, it serves as a haven for visitors amid the fast pace of city life. The design revolves around themes of humility and equality, illustrated by an entrance that encourages users to bend down as they enter. This thoughtful gesture sets a tone for shared experiences, inviting everyone to engage with the space in a personal way.

Materiality

Material choice plays an important role in the installation's purpose and overall feel. Cotton fabric is used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is familiar for visitors. This material makes the space feel comfortable, allowing users to relax while they engage with it. The structure's frame is made from bamboo, a strong and sustainable material. By using steam to shape the bamboo components, designers achieve gentle curves that give the installation its distinctive form.

Color and Aesthetics

The visual design draws from the Japanese shibori technique, featuring a color gradient that shifts from indigo at the bottom to white at the top. This transition not only adds visual depth but also enhances privacy within the cabin. The gradient captures the eye and promotes a calming environment, encouraging moments of meditation. Through careful color selection, the installation creates a harmonious space that invites users to explore their thoughts and feelings.

Spatial Integration

Designed for installation in densely populated urban settings, the project fits well within its environment. By situating it in vibrant public areas, the structure encourages interaction and engagement from passersby. Its organic form contrasts with the often rigid lines of urban architecture. This relationship between the building and its surroundings enriches the experience for visitors, offering a place for quiet amidst the noise of the city.

The unique entrance fosters a sense of equality as individuals enter, creating a shared experience that welcomes all. Visitors are invited to pause and reflect, providing a moment of respite in a bustling world.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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