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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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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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