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Foldable Floor and Intelligent Glass Retreat for Mindful Meditation

Author:
Molnár Réka Piroska
Foldable Floor and Intelligent Glass Retreat for Mindful Meditation
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Utilizing a carbon composite structure with a foldable floor and intelligent glass, this retreat optimizes urban space to provide an immersive environment for personal meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat integrates YIN and JANG cabin modes for personalized meditation experiences.
02
Intelligent glass provides privacy while connecting occupants to the surrounding environment.
03
A folding floor design encourages physical movement and interaction during meditation.
04
Constructed with a carbon composite frame, ensuring lightweight structural integrity.
05
The design incorporates principles of geopathology to enhance user well-being and comfort.

INBETWEEN52 is a retreat designed to provide solace from the busy life of Tokyo. The aim is to create a space that allows occupants to escape stress and reconnect with their inner selves. The project combines modern design principles with traditional ideas of balance and well-being. It offers a distinct experience tailored to urban residents in search of peace.

Concept and Functionality

The retreat features a dual cabin system, each serving unique purposes for meditation. The YIN cabin mode creates an environment of darkness and stillness, encouraging deep thought and reflection. In contrast, the JANG cabin mode is dynamic, engaging the senses through light and sound. Users can select the mode that suits their needs, promoting a personalized approach to mindfulness.

Spatial Organization

The design prioritizes user experience with a layout that guides individuals to a meditation platform. Access is achieved via a temporary staircase, symbolizing a transition from the chaos of the city to a serene space. An innovative folding floor mechanism enhances movement, creating opportunities for physical activity. This design aspect encourages users to engage both body and mind in their meditation practices.

Materials and Structure

The building incorporates intelligent glass on its exterior, enhancing visibility while ensuring privacy for users. Inside, pressed recycled building boards reflect a commitment to sustainability. LED lighting provides energy efficiency and durability, while EPS-insulated concrete creates a comfortable indoor climate. A carbon composite monocoque frame gives structural strength, designed explicitly for Tokyo's narrow streets.

Design Details

The project draws from the philosophy of the five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and steel. This connection fosters a respectful relationship between the environment and the inhabitants. Light and shadow interact within the space, creating areas that evoke calmness and serenity. The thoughtful design invites users to immerse themselves in a calming atmosphere, encouraging a deep sense of relaxation.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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