Samsara is set in the peaceful landscape of Vale de Moses, designed primarily as a space for yoga practice. The design concept focuses on storytelling, incorporating personal narrative and the natural surroundings to create a meaningful experience for users. With its emphasis on connecting with nature, the building acts as a retreat that encourages mindfulness and reflection.

Structural design

The layout of Samsara offers a clear separation between communal areas and private spaces, featuring an upper deck that distinguishes the yoga shala from essential amenities like a kitchenette and toilet facilities. This organization allows practitioners to engage deeply in their yoga sessions while enjoying comfort and practicality.

A personal story underpins the project. It honors the memory of a golden retriever named Moses, a narrative embedded throughout the design. Lanterns are arranged to mimic the constellations visible at Moses’ birth. This connection creates a bridge between the stars and the earth, inviting users to find a deeper meaning in their practice.

Lighting design

Lighting throughout the space varies between yellow and white, tailored for Yin and Yang yoga sessions. This thoughtful selection enhances the atmosphere, enabling practitioners to choose an environment that meets their energy needs. Such adaptability in the design supports meditation and yoga, helping users connect more profoundly with themselves and their surroundings.

Materiality

The use of Chidori, a traditional Japanese timber construction method, is significant in the design of Samsara. This technique adds a distinctive quality to the structure, creating a sense of depth and layering. The timber framework supports a dome-like structure, combining both form and shelter, inviting users to engage with the calm natural environment that surrounds them.

Glass doors of the yoga shala open wide, allowing uninterrupted views of the landscape. Practicing yoga at the cliff's edge offers a direct connection to nature. This integration of the internal space with the natural world emphasizes the project's goal of fostering a reflective and immersive experience.