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Lattice of Ivy and Tatami for Urban Serenity

Authors:
Tan Lei, Watanabe Ikuho
Lattice of Ivy and Tatami for Urban Serenity
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A lattice of ivy frames tatami-covered interiors within the Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins, offering a serene escape for reflection and community in the heart of the city.
5 key facts about this project
01
Torii gates frame both sides of the cabins, marking the entry to a meditative space.
02
Tatami mats provide traditional seating while enhancing the authentic atmosphere.
03
Plant ivy is integrated into the lattice, allowing light to filter softy while ensuring privacy.
04
Movable curtains create flexible configurations for various user interactions.
05
The cabins promote community engagement along with personal reflection in the urban environment.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins are located in a busy part of Tokyo, providing a space for people to find peace amid the city's noise. Designed to promote both personal reflection and social interaction, the cabins draw inspiration from Shinto traditions. The main idea of the design is to explore the relationship between the inner space and the outside world, highlighting the importance of transition in architectural form.

Torii Gate Significance

A central feature of the cabins is the torii gate. This symbol marks the entry to a sacred area in Japanese culture. By placing the gate at both sides of the cabin, the design establishes a clear boundary between everyday life and a place of meditation. It serves as an invitation for users to step into a space where they can feel protected and free from the stresses of urban life.

Interior Layout

Inside the cabins, the design is straightforward yet effective. Essential elements include a passageway, tatami mats, and curtains that can be moved. The tatami mats serve as both flooring and seating, providing a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The curtains add flexibility to the space, allowing visitors to create their own settings for either quiet time or socializing.

Integration of Nature

Natural elements are incorporated into the cabins through a lattice that features plant ivy. This greenery introduces a soft quality to the interior, allowing light to filter gently and maintaining a level of privacy. Additionally, planters within the space further connect users to nature, making the environment feel warm and inviting.

Focus on Well-Being

The design emphasizes creating a sense of well-being and mindfulness. The arrangement of the interior encourages visitors to interact freely, whether they want to spend time alone or enjoy conversations with others. Each cabin acts like a small world where users can connect with themselves and their surroundings. The careful arrangement and natural light create a calming experience, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the tranquility found within the space.

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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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