ZEN HAVEN
Architecture: BArch
Amy Smith
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Atelier 01: Cabinet of Curiosities
Project
ZEN HAVEN is a Museum of Tranquility that invites visitors into a sanctuary of stillness within the urban landscape. Rooted in the design thesis of learning through experiencing, the museum uses architecture as a medium for sensory exploration and personal reflection. Cultural narratives of calm are expressed through light-guided meditation pods, soundscapes, scent, and ritual, creating an immersive journey that engages both body and mind. Acting as both a cultural archive and a contemporary retreat, ZEN HAVEN fosters connection, mindfulness, and calm, an oasis for visitors to seek rest, clarity, and a renewed sense of self.
Project
The anti-space hallway in ZEN HAVEN is inspired by Peter Zumthor’s emphasis on atmosphere and sensory awareness. Serving as a transitional threshold before each exhibition, the space is intentionally quiet and minimal, encouraging a slower pace and heightened sense of presence. A carefully placed roof light allows gentle shafts of natural light to peek through, softly illuminating the corridor and creating moments of stillness and anticipation. This subtle interplay of light and shadow prepares visitors emotionally and mentally, offering a contemplative pause that enhances the immersive experience of the exhibitions that follow.
