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Polycarbonate Enclosure Embracing Wooden Pathways for Meditative Reflection

Authors:
Butnariu Georgiana, Butnariuc Clarisa Elena
Polycarbonate Enclosure Embracing Wooden Pathways for Meditative Reflection
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A polycarbonate structure interwoven with wooden pathways offers a serene environment for meditation, highlighting the interplay of light and natural materials to enhance spiritual reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditative center emphasizes the Sahasrara chakra to enhance spiritual awareness.
02
Wooden slats create a guiding path that transitions through various natural textures.
03
Polycarbonate panels allow filtered light to permeate, contributing to a serene atmosphere.
04
Design features circular shells that balance openness with a sense of enclosure.
05
The layout reveals changing views of the valley, enriching user engagement with nature.

The Root combines nature and spirituality in a design that encourages self-reflection. Located in a peaceful landscape, it provides a space for meditation and contemplation. The architecture leads users from the outside world into a serene interior, illustrating a journey marked by personal and collective awareness. The presence of seven trees and seven chakra points symbolizes a deeper connection to both the environment and oneself.

Spatial Organization

A pathway created by wooden slats guides visitors through the site, revealing varying views of the surrounding valley. Each step brings new perspectives on the landscape, emphasizing a relationship between nature and the individual. At the heart of this journey is the Sahasrara, or crown chakra. This element represents pure consciousness, adding a layer of meaning to the overall design.

Materiality

Wood and polycarbonate sheets are the primary materials used in the construction. Wood provides the structural support, anchoring the design to the earth. Polycarbonate sheets wrap around the building, allowing soft light to enter the spaces. This combination of materials highlights an intention to create an environment that is both connected to nature and filled with light.

User Experience

Visitors experience a carefully planned journey as they move from solid surfaces like stone to the soft textures of grass. This transition enhances the feeling of connection with the landscape. The design features circular forms that create a balance between openness and shelter. This thoughtful arrangement promotes moments of quiet reflection while still engaging with the surroundings.

Light and Space

Light plays an essential role in shaping the atmosphere within The Root. The positioning of openings in the structure directs views toward key focal points in the landscape. Natural light filters through the polycarbonate panels, creating a peaceful setting suitable for meditation. The vertical elements of the design guide the eye upward, fostering a connection with both nature and the sky above.

The design of The Root is marked by its attention to space and movement. Each pathway invites exploration and encourages visitors to engage deeply with their environment. By blending natural elements with a focus on spirituality, the architecture creates a setting for contemplation and connection.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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