Vale De Moses
Meditation Cabins

This winning project consists of two stacked 2.9-meter cubes: at the ground level, a glass-enclosed therapy space, just large enough to house a massage table; and above, an open-air meditation space within a dense lattice of cork. The lattice structure is accessed by a ladder and supports a constellation of paper lanterns, in the vein of the japanese ‘kake-andon’. The jury writes: “A ‘lantern on the landscape’, the project is evocative and manages to create a distinctive and beautiful proposal that also resonates with its surroundings.” The perspective drawings are atmospheric, focusing on the scale of the body as well as the relationship with nature.

“Komorebi”, as the project is titled, refers to the sunlight filtered through the leaves of a tree, or the curtain of light visible after the rain. Importance is given here to spatial sequencing - one begins within a small changing room cabin, then wanders along a tree-lined approach trail, before passing through a narrow corridor and crossing below a low threshold, and finally entering upon a meditation space and courtyard garden open to the sky. The axonometric is accompanied by a text narrative describing the experience as a story told in the first person. The materiality is relevant to the site - charred wood panels, polycarbonate, timber and gravel. The black-and-white drawings are excellent in their depiction of light and shadow.

The project is a successful exploration in form. A circular platform topped by a three-sided, fragmented, and pyramidal roof supported by a wood frame. The jury writes: “The project establishes a very interesting relationship with the environment, and it manages to convey the sense of spirituality and tranquility.” The envelope peels back at points to provide glimpses to the natural surroundings, and to allow the entrance of light. The jury questions whether the project could do without the glass floor, and if the space could use more natural light on dark days. The renderings are helpful in describing the forms as reminiscent of a collection of trees dotting the mountainous landscape.