Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sound Absorbing Concrete Structure with Responsive Lighting for Emotional Release in Urban Retreat

Author:
Carola Bona
Sound Absorbing Concrete Structure with Responsive Lighting for Emotional Release in Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

Embracing sound-absorbing concrete and responsive lighting, this intimate retreat transforms emotional release into a meditative experience amidst the bustling urban landscape of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes sound-absorbing concrete to enhance the acoustic experience of emotional release.
02
Lighting responds dynamically to vocalizations, creating a visual connection with the act of screaming.
03
An irregularly-patterned ceramic tile exterior emphasizes individuality and personal expression.
04
The compact 6 by 6-meter footprint maximizes intimacy while fitting seamlessly into the urban context.
05
The design integrates organic shapes that foster a sense of calm and reflection amid a bustling city environment.
The project presents a fresh perspective on the intersection of architecture and emotional well-being through its innovative design. Located in Tokyo, Japan, it serves as a unique retreat that invites individuals to explore the act of emotional release through screaming, juxtaposed with the calming practice of meditation. This dual purpose is central to the project's concept, which seeks to create a space conducive to expressing and processing emotions within the stressful context of urban life.

At its core, the project represents a nuanced understanding of contemporary mental health needs. It addresses the overlooked aspects of emotional expression, particularly in environments where individuals may feel compelled to suppress their feelings. The structure embodies a sense of safety and comfort, encouraging users to engage with their emotions more openly. By providing a designated area for catharsis, this architectural endeavor stands as a response to the demands of modern living and the societal pressures that accompany it.

The design of the meditation cabin features a compact footprint of 6 by 6 meters, creating an intimate space that allows for personal reflection and emotional exploration. The building height of approximately 3.6 meters gives users a feeling of enclosure without inducing claustrophobia, making it an ideal environment for releasing pent-up emotions. The aesthetic of the cabin incorporates elements of rough concrete, which not only renders a robust exterior but symbolizes the raw nature of human feelings. The use of ceramic tiles arranged in irregular patterns enhances individuality, further resonating with the themes of personal expression.

Inside, the design shifts to a warmer aesthetic that contrasts with the structure's outer shell. A dedicated seating area provides comfort before or after users engage in the act of screaming, creating a balanced atmosphere that supports both emotional release and meditation. The interior layout is carefully considered to optimize acoustics, using materials that absorb sound effectively while also reflecting it in a manner that heightens the overall experience.

Lighting plays a critical role in this architectural design, as it is responsive to vocalizations. Dimmable light panels not only illuminate the space but do so in a way that visually connects with the intensity of the user’s screams. Colors are strategically employed, with red lighting energizing the space during moments of expression, while blue tones promote calmness and healing, providing a thoughtful balance between emotional turmoil and tranquility.

The interaction between users and the architectural environment fosters a deeper engagement with their psychological states, promoting a sense of awareness and acceptance amid the chaos of urban life. The design highlights a unique approach to architecture that prioritizes human experience and emotional health, moving away from conventional public and private space dichotomies to create a holistic retreat for introspection.

Furthermore, this project encourages significant reflection on the role of architecture in addressing contemporary mental health issues. It illustrates how thoughtfully designed spaces can contribute positively to society by facilitating individual emotional well-being. The project's unique design language enriches the dialogue within architecture, presenting a compelling case for integrating emotional awareness into spatial design.

For readers interested in exploring this innovative project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs are available for review. Engaging with these elements will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas and concepts that underpin this thoughtful design, revealing the layers of intention and functionality embedded within its structure.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy