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Corten and Mirror Retreats Shaping Calm Spaces in Urban Parks

Authors:
Taku Minagawa, Nohely Guadalupe Saucedo López
Corten and Mirror Retreats Shaping Calm Spaces in Urban Parks
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A modular retreat with corten walls and reflective surfaces provides a tranquil space for meditation, seamlessly integrating into Tokyo’s public parks.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten walls develop a unique weathered patina over time, blending with the natural environment.
02
A mirror wall creates reflections that enhance the sense of space and tranquility inside.
03
The cabin's modular design allows for easy relocation to different urban locations.
04
Strategic openings frame views of nature while regulating natural light for a calming effect.
05
Integration into existing park landscapes promotes community engagement and accessibility.

Time Escape Cabin is located in various parts of Tokyo. It is designed to create peaceful spaces for meditation within the busy city. The focus is on tranquility and mindfulness, responding to people's needs for quiet moments in their daily lives. Each cabin acts as a retreat, letting users pause and reflect amidst the city's constant movement.

Contextual Integration

The cabins are placed specifically in locations such as Marunouchi, Shiba Park, Yoyogi Park, and Shinjuku. Each site offers a unique experience. In Marunouchi, the cabin provides a calm space for morning reflection as the city wakes up. Shiba Park enhances relaxation with its trees and water features, bringing nature into the meditation experience. In Yoyogi Park, users can unwind in the evening after a busy workday, with light and shadow playing significant roles in the overall environment.



Modular Structure

The design includes a modular structure that can be easily assembled and taken apart. This allows the cabins to be relocated to various public spaces like parks or train stations. The adaptability of the design caters to the needs of urban residents seeking brief escapes from their routines. Each installation is designed to fit comfortably within its surroundings, ensuring a cohesive presence in the urban fabric.



Material Selection

Material choices are important in shaping the cabin's look and feel. A mirror wall reflects the environment, creating a sense of spaciousness. Corten metal walls develop a rich texture as they weather, connecting the cabin to the changing outdoor landscape. Mortar walls add stability and warmth, making the interior inviting.



Light and Shadow Dynamics

The relationship between light and shadow is a key aspect of the cabin's experience. Thoughtful design invites users to engage with the space on a deeper level. Skylights and openings allow natural light to enter, casting dynamic patterns that change throughout the day. This aspect connects the user to the outside world while enhancing moments of reflection within the cabin.

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

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Competition organisers

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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