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Cylindrical Meditation Space with Oculus and Perforated Screen

Author:
Sam Eckerson
Cylindrical Meditation Space with Oculus and Perforated Screen
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The design incorporates a cylindrical form with a carefully positioned oculus and a perforated screen, creating a serene environment for meditation that encourages inward reflection while disconnecting from the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical form enhances focus and tranquility.
02
Clockwise entry aligns with traditional Japanese kinhin meditation.
03
Oculus provides natural light and an outdoor connection.
04
Perforated screen facilitates gradual disconnection from external distractions.
05
Designed as a single type, adaptable for various meditation practices.

The Tokyo Meditation Cabin is designed to provide a quiet space for reflection and mindfulness, addressing the needs of urban residents facing the pressures of modern life. Located in Tokyo, Japan, the cabin aims to counter feelings of isolation and anxiety that come with city living. The overall design concept focuses on creating an environment that invites individuals to engage in various meditation practices, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Design Concept

The cabin features a cylindrical shape that centers the user's experience. This form encourages a sense of calm and helps to focus attention inward. Its simple geometry allows the structure to fit into different environments, ensuring it does not look out of place regardless of its surroundings.

Entry Experience

Visitors access the cabin through a clockwise entry that is framed by a gradually perforated screen. This element is inspired by Japanese kinhin meditation, which emphasizes a slow transition from external distractions to a more focused state of mind. The entryway effectively prepares users for a quiet and contemplative experience, enhancing the shift from the outside world to the serene interior.

Interior Atmosphere

Inside, the space directs attention toward the center, reinforcing a calming atmosphere. The cylindrical design minimizes distractions, making it easier for individuals to enter a reflective state. An oculus at the top of the cabin acts as the sole source of light, offering a glimpse of the sky above. This detail helps connect users to the outside world while they focus on their internal thoughts.

Versatility of Use

The cabin is designed as a single type but can accommodate different meditation styles. This versatile approach allows it to serve various needs, providing urban dwellers with a dedicated space to find peace. It strikes a balance between being functional and promoting contemplation, encouraging a personal exploration of mindfulness practices.

A significant design detail is the oculus, which frames the sky and natural elements, reminding users of the broader world while they engage in their inner reflections.

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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.

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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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