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Meditative Space with Controlled Light and Views of the Temple

Authors:
Junlin Li, Zeqi Zheng
Meditative Space with Controlled Light and Views of the Temple
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A consciously designed meditation room with controlled light offers uninterrupted views of the nearby Chuanzhu Temple, creating a tranquil residence for a lama couple that fosters spiritual practice and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central meditation room acts as the core of the residence.
02
Narrow windows frame specific views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Design avoids natural light to create a controlled atmosphere.
04
Located next to the significant Chuanzhu Temple.
05
Emphasizes connection between interior space and nature.

Pilgrimage of Light is a residential design located near the Chuanzhu Temple in Tibet, created as a home for a lama couple. The overall design concept brings together traditional Tibetan elements with modern touches, aiming to create a peaceful environment that supports meditation and spiritual practice. The residence seeks to provide comfort while fostering a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape.

Meditation Space

At the core of the design lies a meditation room, purposefully placed in the center of the home. This space serves as a sanctuary for spiritual activities and represents the journey of pilgrimage, inviting both physical and inner exploration. The layout encourages movement upward through the building, allowing individuals to experience a sense of elevation and reflection as they ascend.

Visual Engagement

As occupants transition between the various levels, they encounter distinct visual perspectives that strengthen their connection to the environment. The bottom window connects to the lively energy of daily life, highlighting the dynamics of the world outside. In comparison, the middle window offers a serene view of the nearby Chuanzhu Mountain, fostering a calming atmosphere for introspection. At the highest level, the view of the Chuanzhu Temple reinforces the spiritual significance of the site.

Light Management

A key feature of the design is the conscious choice to limit natural light in the meditation areas. This decision aligns with the spiritual practices of the lamas, creating a consistent and controlled setting. Without the distractions that can come with changing light, the space supports deep meditation and focused reflection, allowing individuals to engage fully in their spiritual journey.

Material Influences

While specific materials are not highlighted in the project details, the design draws from the principles of traditional Tibetan architecture. It is likely that local stone, wood, and earth materials will be used, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage and environmental context. Such choices enhance the relationship between the building and its surroundings, blending the spiritual and natural worlds.

The design features a well-thought-out progression through space, encouraging movement and contemplative reflection. Each element is designed to enhance the meditative experience while creating a strong link between the inner sanctuary and the outer landscape.

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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