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Meditation Cabins with Tatami Flooring for Mindfulness During Commuting

Authors:
Josep Lluís Sánchez-fortún Botines, Natalia Ordoñez Acevedo, Fabian Camilo Castro Pérez, Ignacio Ferrer ávila
Meditation Cabins with Tatami Flooring for Mindfulness During Commuting
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Meditation Cabins with tatami flooring and sound-absorbing panels offer private spaces for commuters in Tokyo to practice mindfulness, effectively integrating well-being into the urban transit experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation Cabins are designed for use in high-traffic transit areas.
02
Sound-absorbing panels enhance privacy and reduce noise.
03
Tatami flooring encourages a traditional practice of removing shoes.
04
Cabins accommodate one or two users for a more intimate experience.
05
Integration with the transit system allows meditation during commutes.

The Introspective Journey aims to improve the mental health of workers in Tokyo by incorporating meditation spaces into the transportation system. Located in a bustling city known for its high stress levels, the design seeks to provide accessible areas for mindfulness practices. By allowing individuals to engage in meditation during their commute, the project addresses the everyday challenges of urban life.

Meditation Network

The Meditation Network connects different locations across Tokyo, raising awareness about mental health while making commutes more manageable. By establishing designated points for meditation, the design encourages people to take time for themselves amid the hustle and bustle. The network acts as both a support for mental wellness and a way to rethink public transit.

Meditation Cabins

At the heart of the project are the Meditation Cabins, which provide private spaces for one or two individuals. Each cabin includes a foldable Japanese screen for privacy, creating a personal area for meditation. Sound-absorbing panels line the interiors, reducing outside noise and fostering a tranquil environment. The lighting is soft, produced by LED fixtures, adding to the calming atmosphere.

Tatami Flooring and Train Systems

Tatami Flooring is a key feature of the cabins, allowing users to take off their shoes before entering. This practice promotes a sense of respect and comfort. Additionally, the design includes train systems that integrate meditation areas into transit vehicles. This feature enables travelers to meditate while on the move, making use of their commute for a moment of reflection.

The overall design focuses on comfort and accessibility. Each cabin provides a designated space for contemplation, inviting individuals to pause and unwind. The careful selection of materials and attention to detail create an inviting atmosphere, encouraging users to reconnect with themselves during their busy days.

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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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