ALTER-JOURNEY
A SENSORIAL PILGRIMAGE
You have traveled to the edge of civilization. At the periphery of what’s human’s and what’s not, there lies a series of ethereal tent-like structures. The scorching sun and intense heat of mid-summer blurs your eyes, to the point you can’t make out whether these structures are pixelating for real, as they carve down, disappear into the sand and slowly reappear like a mirage. There is no window to look in, only one tiny, sunken opening triggering the visitor’s curiosity. You can’t resist the temptation to enter the underground, where the desert accommodation starts to unfold and reward you slowly from one stage to another. Soon you find yourself subterranean, but light shines brightly in here and there above your head, as you look up to the ever changing ceilings. Like an intricate Islamic tapestry, the walk weaves in and out different programs, nesting harmoniously with the hilly sand dunes.
Almost paradoxical, a hospitality experience within the most inhospitable place on earth prompts an opportunity to redefine /wellness retreat/. In the absence of all distraction, a wellness retreat is analogical to a journey towards a cleansed state of mind, rather than a single destination. Unfolded through a series of processional physical and mental spaces, this wellness journey speculates how an architecture of accommodation can establish an intimate relationship both between humans - their inner-selves and humans - nature.
The journey guides visitors through a series of gradually changing ambient chambers, slowly sinking underground then reemerging again to the zenith of the journey - the end reward. The absence of horizontal openings and the prevalence of deeply-punctured skylights alter the visitors’ sense of awareness. The focus is shifted from the outer world to the inner self.
In finding the common thread of Islam
"Local diverse non-Islamic characteristics -climatic, geographic, traditional”
"The final outcome, which may look like they have nothing in common - as do when observers limit their views of Islamic architecture only to the physical manifestations of the buildings”
"Local diverse non-Islamic characteristics -climatic, geographic, traditional”
"The final outcome, which may look like they have nothing in common - as do when observers limit their views of Islamic architecture only to the physical manifestations of the buildings”
Invert
The journey takes up and makes tangible the seemingly invisible interstitial space. Here the circulation becomes solid and the buildings become voids. This solid-void reversal creates a single volume that runs undetached across the building fabrics, connecting central courtyards and public spaces into one coherent whole. The exterior inherits this spirit, being monolithic in nature yet appears as if of billowing tents.
The journey takes up and makes tangible the seemingly invisible interstitial space. Here the circulation becomes solid and the buildings become voids. This solid-void reversal creates a single volume that runs undetached across the building fabrics, connecting central courtyards and public spaces into one coherent whole. The exterior inherits this spirit, being monolithic in nature yet appears as if of billowing tents.
Pixelate
The monolithic, continuous massing is now pixelated both horizontally and vertically to serve different programs and create a variety of architectural moments. The alternated solid-void, building-circulation, indoor-outdoor, above-under creates very dynamic spatial experiences and keep the visitors always in suspense of what’s next.
The monolithic, continuous massing is now pixelated both horizontally and vertically to serve different programs and create a variety of architectural moments. The alternated solid-void, building-circulation, indoor-outdoor, above-under creates very dynamic spatial experiences and keep the visitors always in suspense of what’s next.
Weave
If the structure is perceived as one grand, inhabitable wall of gardens, the water omnipresence along the path, weaving in and out of the buildings acts as the spiritual guide. Water continuous flowing state manifests the abundant gifts of God and a reminder that even in the most severe condition on Earth, your cup can be filled, and your soul will be found.
If the structure is perceived as one grand, inhabitable wall of gardens, the water omnipresence along the path, weaving in and out of the buildings acts as the spiritual guide. Water continuous flowing state manifests the abundant gifts of God and a reminder that even in the most severe condition on Earth, your cup can be filled, and your soul will be found.
THANK YOU
