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Spiraling Sanctuary of Glass and Timber Promoting Urban Reflection

Authors:
梦婷 张, 佳钰 王, 洋 黎, 佳钰 王, 洋 黎, 佳钰 王, 洋 黎, 佳钰 王, 洋 黎, 佳钰 王, 洋 黎
Spiraling Sanctuary of Glass and Timber Promoting Urban Reflection

Project in-detail

The integration of a spiraling staircase with transparent glass walls and warm wooden louvers creates a unique urban sanctuary in Tokyo, designed to foster mindfulness and reflection within a densely populated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project features a spiraling staircase that encourages vertical movement and progression through the space.
02
Meditation cells are designed with glass walls to maintain a connection with the surrounding environment.
03
Wooden louvers have been integrated to regulate natural light and enhance privacy.
04
The design emphasizes sustainability, using a steel frame to support the unique architectural form.
05
Natural light plays a central role in the experience, creating a tranquil atmosphere throughout the space.
The architectural project titled "Breath in Tokyo: Photorespiration" presents an insightful exploration into the relationship between urban living and wellness. Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, a city known for its high density and fast-paced lifestyle, this project aims to offer urban dwellers a much-needed refuge. The design embodies an essential response to the urban experience of congestion and stress, promoting moments of calm and reflection amidst the bustling environment.

At its core, the project represents a synthesis of nature and architecture, where each element is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the inhabitants' psychological and emotional well-being. The design is rooted in the concept of photorespiration, drawing parallels to the biological processes whereby plants convert light and carbon dioxide into energy. This analogy underscores the importance of light, both as a physical element and as a metaphorical gateway for mental rejuvenation, supporting the idea that urban spaces can, and should, nourish the human spirit.

The primary function of the "Breath in Tokyo" installation is to serve as a sanctuary for relaxation and meditation. It is designed with unique features that promote an inward journey of self-reflection. Central to the layout is a spiraling staircase that acts as a conduit for movement, inducements for ascent that evoke a sense of progression and growth. As individuals traverse the various levels, they discover meditation cells—intimate spaces enclosed by glass walls, allowing unobstructed views of the vibrant surroundings while simultaneously providing privacy.

The materiality of the project plays a significant role in its effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. The extensive use of glass for the screen walls creates a seamless interaction between the interior and the exterior, allowing natural light to flood the space while offering connections to the city beyond. This choice of material not only enhances transparency but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between the structure and the environment. Complementing the glass are wooden louvers that introduce warmth into the design, offering shade and regulating light entry. This thoughtful juxtaposition not only enriches the sensory experience but also enhances comfort within the space.

Structurally, the project relies on a robust steel frame, which provides the necessary support for the upwardly spiraling design. This frame is not simply functional but gives form to the architectural ambition of vertical growth, emulating the natural world and its inherent rhythms. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the building minimizes its environmental footprint while invoking principles of design that advocate for renewable resources.

Unique design approaches are stitched throughout the composition of the project. For instance, the integration of meditation spaces illustrates a progressive acknowledgment of mental health within the architectural realm, acknowledging that physical spaces can significantly influence emotional states. The plan invites occupants to pause and breathe, literally and metaphorically, in a world increasingly characterized by rapid movement and constant stimulation.

By creating a spiraling vertical journey, the architecture encourages social interaction as users navigate the space, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences while still respecting the need for individual solitude. The design elegantly blends functionality with an understanding of human psychology, making it a model for future urban architecture focused on well-being.

Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to review elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas to gain deeper insights into the innovative design and the underlying principles informing this thoughtful approach. This exploration can provide valuable perspectives on how architecture can genuinely enhance urban life and the overall experience of living in a dense metropolitan context.
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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
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