Focusing on the temporal - creating a meditative experience while exploring the use of cross laminated timber as interior expression.
professor: Justin Allen of ALLENKAUFMANN studio in Berlin. location: eugene, or. project year: spring 2019 typology: wellness software: revit, adobe photoshop, adobe indesign
AI animated multi-media rendering
The Studio led by visiting professor Justin Allen focused on the idea of tree matter rearrangement and how traditional wood products could be reinterpreted and used in new means, promoting meditation.
Mass timber as of recent has garnered a lot of publicity as an emerging as an alternative to traditional industry products such as concrete and steel for structural use.
The site for the project was the Camilla Leach reading room found in the Design library in the University of Oregon’s College of Design. The space welcomes students, faculty and the greater public.
Tree Matter Re-Arrangement
existing space for redesign
As built Brief: The Camilla Learch reading room is located on the second floor of the Art and Design library in Lawrence Hall. The space holds a large community work table and stacks of books that surround the walls of the bottom level. The room is double height and features a view port in from the floor above. The high four panel coffered ceiling is characterized by its white reflective quality and circular pendent lamps that suspend down into the space. One the west wall there are two large windows stacked one above the other that frame a weathered maple tree. The South wall has a large window above clad with binds that have been drawn, blocking out daylighting. The lower level of the south wall has two smaller windows framed between the bookshelves that provide light in, and views out. The North wall does not have any openings and allows light to reflect off of it. The entry to the space is on the east face . The sizeable opening does not have a door however. Above, is a viewport from the second floor that allows people to look down into the space. The room is quite, only disrupted by a visitors movements. The temperature is moderate and the smell is that of dusty books.
sensory experience diagrammed
Intent: To understand the purpose and feeling of meditation and to add clarity to the studios program.
The white noise of the HVAC, the ticking of a watch, sudden rustle of someone shifting in their seat. As my concentration to the other senses increased background noise began to fade away. The room was a moderate temperature, not too hot or cold. Often times little things such as noise, temperature change, air movement, and smell could alter a meditative state. I fought to clear my mind of cluttering thoughts and just be.
a peace of mind
Intending to bring a much-needed sense of mindfulness and meditation opportunities to Lawrence Hall, a meditation space is a welcomed amenity. The room is located on the second floor of the College of design library and is daylight on three sides. The proposed design accommodates a range of meditative functions while still accommodating space for books of the spiritual genre from the College of design collection. With this in mind, users may get a holistic understanding of meditation and its importance throughout history while experiencing the power of meditation themselves.
a meditative experience
The trees move without wind.
The wind blows without sound.
Light floods the volume without warmth.
Quite thought provoking.
A constant drown fills your ears - suspended in space.
The smell of old books seep in around you. It is here you can be at peace to ponder the passage of time and our role among the books collecting dust.
As a chair sharply skids across the floor above, you once again realize where you are in the world.
small space of many uses
The small space can facilitate individual meditation, small group guided meditation, and other uses such as a yoga class or quiet reading space. Under stair storage houses sitting cubes that can be arranged in a number of orientations within the lower space. Upstairs is meant to be used as a quieter and more individualized meditation space or reading room.
a bit about clt
Mass timber is no longer just a novel concept; architects and designers across the globe are turning to mass timber as a sustainable and pragmatic solution. The meditation space uses CLT panels and beams to frame the structure and deliver charm to interior spaces.
