Tranquility in Forgotten Spaces is located in Tokyo, aiming to reconnect urban residents with the city's historic waterways. The project seeks to enhance neglected urban sites by creating areas for reflection and meditation, allowing people to engage meaningfully with water. By highlighting the significance of water in Japanese culture, the design emphasizes its calming and restorative qualities.

Design Concept

The project places cabins beneath roads and bridges, bringing inhabitants closer to water sources often ignored in the fast-paced city. This strategic placement revitalizes these areas, encouraging a deeper connection between nature and urban life. The form of the cabins draws inspiration from the vertical elements of Tokyo, resembling the columns and supports that populate the cityscape. This connection reinforces the idea of water as an essential foundation of urban existence.

Meditation Platform

A notable feature is the circular meditation platform, which has an opening framing a direct view of the river below. This design invites visitors to engage with the water visually and audibly, enhancing the overall experience. The geometry of the platform promotes balance and tranquility, contributing to a sense of peace. It is a space designed for contemplation amid the urban noise.

Material Use

Thin metal chains are central to the construction of the cabin shells. These chains create the impression of falling water, linking the design closely to the project’s theme. The reflective quality of these materials interacts with light, creating dynamic shadows that enrich the spatial experience. Such selections keep the focus on the connection with water and nature.

Natural Integration

Bamboo is included in the design to promote greenery within the urban environment. This addition helps establish a balance between built and natural elements. The use of natural materials supports the project’s goal of bringing a sense of calm to the city. It creates serene spaces that encourage people to take a moment for reflection, blending architecture with the surrounding landscape.

The project ultimately offers a pavilion that acts as a peaceful escape, inviting visitors to engage in quiet contemplation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nature in urban settings, enhancing the experience of being in a city.