The Pavilion of Senses serves as a space designed for meditation and reflection. Found in a natural setting, it encourages users to connect with their environment through their senses. The design focuses on openness and transparency, promoting interaction between the indoor area and the outdoors. This approach creates a calming atmosphere suited for mindfulness practices.

Visual and Tactile Engagement

The design features semi-transparent acrylic sheets, taking inspiration from traditional Shoji walls. This allows natural light to enter, creating changing patterns of light and shadow. The interaction of light and form enhances the space and invites users to engage with the pavilion in various ways. The visual experience draws people in and encourages exploration.

Sensory Connections

Surrounding the structure are edible plants placed in terracotta pots, which emphasize the senses of taste and smell. These plants provide more than just aesthetic appeal; they invite users to interact by caring for and harvesting them. This hands-on connection to nature deepens the meditative experience, helping users to establish a stronger bond with the environment and the space.

Auditory Elements

The pavilion is open to the natural sounds around it, such as birdsong and the rustling of leaves. By allowing these sounds to enter the space, it creates a peaceful auditory setting that is important for meditation. The design prioritizes all sensory experiences, promoting a full engagement with the surroundings for those using the space.

Structural Integrity

The building employs traditional Japanese construction techniques that include non-fixed connections in its support structures. This design choice provides stability and flexibility, which is especially useful in areas at risk for earthquakes. This construction method reflects an understanding of local architectural traditions and respects the cultural context.

The pavilion features a raised floor, allowing for flexible use, whether for solitary meditation or small group gatherings. This arrangement encourages community while respecting individual experiences, creating a thoughtful environment that cultivates mindfulness.