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Healing Spaces with Meditation Pods and Open-Air Therapy on Barkan Island

Author:
Pierre Sfeir
Healing Spaces with Meditation Pods and Open-Air Therapy on Barkan Island
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Situated on Barkan Island, the design incorporates meditation pods and open-air therapy spaces to create an environment focused on healing and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rajajil incorporates specialized meditation and contemplation pods to enhance personal reflection.
02
The design emphasizes open-air therapy areas that connect visitors directly with nature.
03
Farming units are integrated to promote sustainability and a sense of community involvement.
04
Architectural forms combine organic shapes with geometric structures, representing life's journey.
05
The location is aligned with significant solar positions, enhancing spiritual and emotional experiences.

Rajajil is located on Barkan Island in the Red Sea, close to Neom in Saudi Arabia. It combines spaces for therapy, social interaction, and contemplation within a design focused on promoting well-being. The layout invites visitors to step away from their everyday lives, offering a chance to find peace and reflect.

Organs

The design includes specific areas known as "Organs" and "Cells." The "Organs" feature essential spaces such as the Prayer Space, Common Area and Library, Dining Area, Gathering Room, Therapy Space, Boat Deck, and Helipad. Each area serves a unique function, designed to encourage both community engagement and personal solitude. This careful balancing act between collective and individual needs shapes the visitor experience.

Cells

The "Cells" further refine these functions into specialized units. The Meditation Pods, Contemplation Pods, Open Air Therapy/Activities, Open Dining, Farming Units, Quiet/Sleep Pods, Reception, Kiosk, Service/Storage, and WC are examples of how spaces are designed to support various activities. These units encourage personal reflection while also accommodating group interactions, with the farming units emphasizing sustainability and connection to nature.

Design Language

The architectural design aligns organic forms with geometric shapes. This arrangement represents the journey of life, creating a rich experience for users. Vertical uneven shapes interact with smoother lines, mimicking the horizon. The balance of these contrasting elements invites visitors to explore their emotional landscape within the space.

Environmental Context

The design relies on environmental elements—water, air, and earth—to enhance the visitor experience. Water symbolizes emotion and encourages meditation, while air is associated with transformation and outdoor activities. Earth provides a sense of stability, reinforcing ties to nature, particularly through farming and communal dining. The integration of these elements creates an atmosphere that resonates with the people who visit.

As visitors navigate this thoughtfully designed environment, they can engage with the natural world around them, promoting a sense of healing and reflection. The architecture serves as a quiet companion on their journey toward peace.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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