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Linden Tree and Red Marble Define Contemplative Space for Reflection

Authors:
Tim Griffin, Nate Hulse, Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Landis
Linden Tree and Red Marble Define Contemplative Space for Reflection
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A suspended red marble ring accents the centralized chamber, while regional limestone walls frame contemplative niches, creating a serene environment focused on reflection and memory.
5 key facts about this project
01
Centralized chamber features a continuous bench for visitor introspection.
02
Crushed limestone zen garden serves as a transitional threshold.
03
Framed views are created by intersecting limestone-clad walls.
04
A linden tree symbolizes the cyclical nature of life within the space.
05
Suspended red marble ring emphasizes the theme of infinity.

The MIRC project is a contemplative space located in a carefully chosen landscape that addresses themes of life and death. The design centers on the relationship between light and shadow, creating a setting for personal reflection. As visitors move through a series of spaces aligned along a North and South axis, they encounter various areas meant to foster introspection and connection with the environment.

Central Chamber

At the core of the design is a chamber that serves as a key point connecting different meditative areas. This space features a continuous bench around its perimeter, allowing individuals to pause and engage in thoughtful consideration. The layout not only encourages interaction with the space but also deepens the connection to the philosophical ideas that underpin the project.

Zen Garden

Visitors enter through a northern pathway that leads into a zen garden made of crushed limestone. This initial space encourages contemplation on life and death, enhancing the themes of light and shadow. The zen garden serves as a peaceful transition, guiding visitors while setting an atmosphere conducive to reflection and mindfulness that characterizes the overall intention of the design.

Intersecting Walls

A network of intersecting walls defines the various spaces and provides framed views of the surrounding landscape. Clad in regional limestone, these walls create links to the local environment, contributing to the unity of the project. The choice of this material also adds a tactile quality, inviting visitors to engage more fully with their surroundings and enhancing their overall experience within the space.

Suspended Ring

Within the central chamber, a suspended red marble ring symbolizes the idea of life’s infinite nature. This feature draws attention and acts as a focal point for contemplation. It creates a dynamic visual element while reinforcing key themes. Its presence serves to invite pause, encouraging a moment of reflection in a space designed for such engagement.

The design integrates a linden tree, which stands as a living representation of life’s cyclical nature. Positioned thoughtfully within the chamber, its seasonal shifts bring another layer of connection between architecture and nature, enriching the experience of the space.

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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?

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