Built in Niigata City in Japan, the Shinto Shrine was completed between two highways, to give people a space of refuge from the busyness of everyday life. The work was originally completed for a festival held in the area, but designer Kikuma Watanabe wanted to keep it up so that the people of the area could enjoy its presence.
According to DesignBoom, "the small structure has a dome-shaped mediation hall that offers a calm space, where one may feel a sense of peace and reconnect with the past. This quiet room serves as the main sanctuary and is connected to a smaller shrine at the front by a winding passageway, leading people in from the outside." Due to the layout of the structure, people are able to enjoy time to themselves, and get away from the stresses of being around so many individuals. Photo Credits: designboom, d-ken.info
Contemplative City Shrines
Kikuma Watanabe Creates the Shinto Shrine in Niigata City
Trend Themes
1. Contemplative Spaces - Designing spaces that offer calm and refuge from the busyness of everyday life, allowing people to reconnect with the past and find a sense of peace.
2. Personal Retreats - Creating small sanctuaries where individuals can enjoy time to themselves and escape the stresses of being around others.
3. Architectural Meditation - Incorporating meditative elements in architectural designs to provide a serene and peaceful experience for visitors.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects and designers can explore new concepts of creating contemplative spaces and personal retreats in their architectural projects.
2. Wellness - Wellness industry can leverage the concept of contemplative spaces to offer relaxation and stress-relief experiences to their customers.
3. Tourism - Tourism industry can promote and develop places of architectural meditation as unique destinations for travelers seeking tranquility.