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Portable Retreats with Japanese Lamp Inspiration

Authors:
Daniela Carstens, Catalina Sanhueza
Portable Retreats with Japanese Lamp Inspiration
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Inspired by traditional Japanese lamps, these portable meditation cabins utilize a unique folding mechanism to create personal spaces for reflection within Tokyo's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by traditional Japanese lamps, the cabin design incorporates a unique folding mechanism for easy transportation.
02
Users can connect their cell phones via USB to power the integrated LED lighting within the cabin.
03
Each cabin serves as a portable bag when not in use, enhancing mobility for users in urban settings.
04
The dimensions are specifically designed to prioritize user comfort and privacy for meditative practices.
05
Soft lighting creates illuminated silhouettes, inviting mindfulness and reflection amidst the urban landscape.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins offer a practical solution for urban living in a busy city. Located in Tokyo, a place known for its fast pace, these cabins function as personal spaces for meditation and quiet reflection. The design emphasizes mobility, allowing users to move and set up the cabins easily in various locations throughout the city.

Conceptual Framework

Inspired by traditional Japanese lamps, the design of the cabins features a unique folding and unfolding mechanism. This choice integrates cultural elements with modern needs, enabling the cabins to fit naturally into their surroundings. Their carefully designed dimensions prioritize comfort and privacy, making them suitable for individuals seeking moments of peace.

Functional Design

The cabins include a lighting system that connects to users’ cell phones through a USB port. This feature creates a calming atmosphere inside the cabin, illuminating the silhouettes of those meditating. The soft light stands in contrast to the city buzz outside. Both users and passersby are encouraged to pause, creating an opportunity for shared moments of reflection.

Versatility and Use

The cabins are designed to function as portable bags before they are set up. This versatility enhances their practicality for people on the go. Users can carry the cabins through the streets and find a moment of tranquility even in crowded public spaces. This feature is particularly helpful in a city where finding quiet spots can be difficult.

Material Consideration

While specific materials are not mentioned, the design is likely characterized by qualities such as flexibility, lightness, and transparency. These attributes play a role in the user experience, allowing the cabins to remain discreet while serving a significant purpose. The focus on these characteristics reveals an understanding of how the cabins will interact with their environments.

The cabin’s integrated USB port connects personal technology to the meditation experience. This modern approach makes meditation accessible in a busy urban landscape, bringing moments of calm to those who seek them.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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