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Translucent Cube Offering Reflective Serenity in Urban Spaces

Authors:
Jin Seok Hyun, Hwan Hee Lee, Gyeom Seo Ryu
Translucent Cube Offering Reflective Serenity in Urban Spaces
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A translucent cube with reflective metal surfaces reinterprets the traditional 'Engawa' to create a serene meditation space, inviting urban residents to engage in moments of quiet reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate walls offer privacy while allowing natural light to create an uplifting atmosphere.
02
The reflective metal floor mimics natural elements, enhancing the connection to the outside environment.
03
Designed to emulate the traditional 'Engawa' concept, the chair engages users with both inner and outer spaces.
04
Positioned in Tokyo's busy squares, the cube activates underutilized urban areas for mindfulness.
05
Addresses the historical loss of traditional spaces in Tokyo by reintroducing a sanctuary for meditation.

The Meditation Cube presents a thoughtful response to the need for quiet spaces amid the bustling city of Tokyo. It combines the traditions of Japanese architecture with modern design principles, focusing on creating an environment conducive to meditation and reflection. The cube is a contemporary reinterpretation of the 'Engawa,' traditionally a transition space that links the inside of a home with the outdoors. Here, it serves as a sanctuary for individuals looking to escape the city's fast pace and find moments of inner peace.

Translucent Walls

The cube is enclosed by translucent polycarbonate walls, which allow natural light to fill the interior while maintaining privacy. This feature creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. Users can enjoy their own space without being disturbed by the outside world. The design encourages a calm environment, essential for meditation practices, enabling users to focus in a serene setting.

Reflective Metal Floor

The floor is made of reflective metal, which plays a central role in enhancing the space. This reflective surface captures the outside environment, mirroring the sky and surrounding elements. The result is an effect that expands the perception of space. Light dances across the floor, creating a dynamic interaction with the natural world. Users can feel a connection to nature even while inside the cube, enriching their meditative experience.

Chair as an Engawa

Inside, the chair mimics the concept of the 'Engawa.' Its design encourages interaction between the user and both the interior and exterior spaces. Positioned thoughtfully, it invites individuals to sit and reflect. This element is crucial, as it enhances the experience of meditation by making users feel engaged with their surroundings while finding a moment of stillness.

Spatial Activation in Urban Context

The Meditation Cube is placed strategically in Tokyo's busy squares. These squares often go unused and can feel lifeless. By introducing a space dedicated to meditation, the cube offers a new function to these areas. It encourages individuals to take a break from their daily routines and engage in moments of mindfulness. This different use of public space challenges the typical dynamic of urban areas, transforming how people interact with their environment.

The cube highlights the intersection of reflective surfaces and translucent walls. It creates a retreat that fosters a calm atmosphere, allowing users to connect with themselves and the world around 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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Competition organisers

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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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