First Place Winner
Pause Chaos
Design by
Mu Qu Jennifer Liu, Natalie Cole Bajet & Nikki Elim Ng
This is a beautifully drawn project on the Tamsui River, and although the atmosphere created may not be realistic in terms of an inner city site, the author’s intentions are clear and convincing. (What happened to the decay?) The use of ephemera is delightful with strong materiality and ambiance: dried grass blankets, mist, etc. With strengths such as this it is not necessary to be so prescriptive with the procession through the program.
-Sand Helsel
A very innovative yet evocative proposal..
-Sidra Khokhar
Mu Qu Jennifer Liu, Natalie Cole Bajet & Nikki Elim Ng
Mu Qu Jennifer Liu, Natalie Cole Bajet & Nikki Elim Ng
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Introduction
• I'm Natalie Cole Bajet, a Filipino living and studying in Canada. I'm currently a first-year Master in Architecture student at the University of Manitoba. In my design process, I often begin by writing sensorial narratives about the site, using them as a foundation to spark creative design ideas. I enjoy designing moments and experiences, then weaving them together to form a cohesive architectural plan. I frequently shift between various scales during the design process to ensure that my buildings harmonize with the broader context of the site.
• I’m Jennifer, currently pursuing my Master in Architecture at Carleton University. My passion lies in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of architecture, particularly its textures and experiential qualities. To bring my creative visions to life, I frequently employ the art of collage and intricate models. Through these mediums, I experiment with a myriad of innovative ideas and design concepts, aiming to craft spaces that not only serve their functional purpose but also resonate with the emotions and senses of those who interact with them.
• My name is Nikki, and I am a first-year student in the Architecture Masters program at the University of Manitoba. Though originally from Hong Kong, I moved to Canada when I was 10 years old. Ever since I was young, I have been captivated by sketching and design. What truly fascinates me about drawing is the ability to bring imagination to life in a tangible form. With my hands as the conduit, ideas are curated onto paper or transformed into three-dimensional spaces.
We participated in the Retreat Center Design Competition with the intention of pushing our boundaries and applying the knowledge and skills we acquired during our Bachelor's degree in environmental design. This project serves as a culminating endeavor, allowing us to demonstrate our proficiency in a competition context as we near the completion of our undergraduate studies.
Design Concept
• Pause Chaos is a retreat center nestled along the banks of the Tamsui River in the vibrant city of New Taipei, Taiwan. The project aims to offer a haven of rejuvenation and solace to those seeking respite from the relentless pace of urban living.
• Pause Chaos places a strong emphasis on integrating natural elements, including ample natural light and lush greenery, to establish a tranquil and balanced atmosphere. Through the use of natural materials and textures, it aims to evoke a profound connection to the beauty of the natural world within our built space.
• The group had a particular interest in the concept of chaos within cities and how the project could introduce the idea of taking a pause in the form of a retreat center. The initial challenge was selecting a suitable location. It was recognized that city dwellers often lead fast-paced lives, and not everyone can afford to take extended breaks from work. So, rather than opting for a peaceful site like a beach or a forest, which are typically found outside of urban areas, a city location was deliberately chosen. This decision led the project to choose a site close to the city's chaos while remaining connected to the natural world. Given these unique site conditions, creating a completely serene atmosphere for a retreat center was a challenge. Therefore, the project decided to nestle the center within a mangrove forest along the river, where the soothing sounds of flowing water, rustling leaves, and distant birdsong create a calming environment amidst the urban hustle and bustle.
Healing Architecture
• The retreat center is like a calm oasis in a busy city. It welcomes anyone looking for a break from the hectic pace of urban life. Here, you can let your creativity flow, find peaceful moments for self-reflection, practice meditation, and enjoy meaningful conversations with others.
• Materials such as bamboo, dried grass, and linen cloths are intentionally left to naturally decay and weather. This deliberate approach to the passage of time fosters an atmosphere that seamlessly integrates the design with its surrounding environment.
• Interaction with Space
• One distinctive feature that we have integrated into our retreat center is the concept of "Pathway Experiences," which fosters a collection of walking encounters to harmonize the mind. Each pathway possesses its own unique characteristics that not only cultivate a serene ambiance but also inspire individuals to contemplate their surroundings.
• We believe that the inclusion of a reflection pond makes it an adaptable addition to various types of retreats. It serves as an intriguing focal point that encourages visitors to engage in contemplation. By gazing into the waters and observing our own reflections, we become more mindful of our presence and our connection with nature.
Design Evolution
• The group initiated this project with the core concept of enabling people to pause amidst the chaos of city life. The group crafted a narrative as the cornerstone of the project, using it as a creative canvas to explore and draw inspiration from. This narrative enabled us to infuse our design with a rich tapestry of immersive and meaningful experiences. Each team member was then given the task of reflecting on what 'pausing' means to them personally. For every member, 'pausing' encapsulates the chance to indulge in creative play, express themselves through art, partake in yoga, experience moments of meditation, embark on peaceful walks, connect with nature, engage in enriching interactions with others, and listen to the diverse narratives of people. This is the foundation for the project's division into four distinct parts, each tailored to specific activities that align with these meaningful interpretations of 'pause.'
• The selection of materials plays a pivotal role in shaping this project. How does it feel when you run your fingers along its surface? Does its scent trigger familiar memories? How does it dance in the wind, and what melodies does it create? How does it respond to the play of light, and what transformations occur as it weathers over time? It is from these distinctive material qualities that the form of the retreat center emerges.
Community and Environmental Impact
• In envisioning the retreat center design, our goal was to create a harmonious space that benefits both visitors and the surrounding ecosystem. We aimed to foster a sympoietic relationship between human and non-human species, achieved through a careful selection of materials that allows them to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings, offering visitors an immersive connection with nature. The retreat center will be thoughtfully designed to provide a tranquil and rejuvenating experience for visitors. Serene, natural light-filled spaces will encourage self-reflection, meditation, and connection with others. Landscaped outdoor areas and amenities will further enhance the guest experience, offering opportunities for outdoor activities, relaxation, and environmental education. By fostering a sense of well-being, promoting nature-consciousness and appreciation, the retreat center will leave a lasting positive impact on both the human and non-human world, creating a space where personal growth and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously.
• Pause Chaos places a significant emphasis on limiting the extent of construction on site. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that the natural beauty and integrity of the surroundings are preserved. It prioritizes the use of locally-sourced materials to support the local economy and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By harnessing materials readily available in the region, the retreat center fosters a sense of connection with the surrounding community. Furthermore, the use of lightweight foundation systems requires fewer resources for construction but also has a reduced impact on the underlying ecosystem.
Guidance for Aspiring Designers
• We believe that empathy is a fundamental quality for designers, one that should extend beyond the human realm to encompass the more than human world. As designers, we have a responsibility to acknowledge that our actions impact not only ourselves but the environment and its ecosystems. The retreat center represents more than a space for human healing; it serves as a sanctuary for the environment and its inhabitants, mending the wounds inflicted by human desires and actions. It is a manifestation of our commitment to being mindful stewards of the planet, demonstrating that our designs can promote healing and balance not only for ourselves but for the entire interconnected web of life.
• Rather than fixating solely on the technical aspects of the architecture, the group chose to paint a vivid picture of the experiential qualities that the retreat center offers. Rather than describing the center by its construction methods, the group focuses on how the materials evoke feelings, how the light filters through the roof and walls to create an ambiance, and how the gentle breeze and mist both cool and mystically engage your senses. The design prioritizes crafting a collective experience that will hopefully serve as a sanctuary for rejuvenating the mind, enriching the soul, and fostering memorable experiences.
Reflections on Winning
• We are incredibly thankful for the recognition our work has received. Receiving the results on Thanksgiving Day made it an exceptionally memorable occasion for us. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our past instructors, whose guidance and influence have significantly shaped our design process. Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about participating in more competitions in the future.
• To all those who share a passion for creating spaces that nurture well-being and renewal, remember that your work has the power to make a profound impact on individuals and the world around us. Design with empathy, not only for people but also for the more than human world. Consider the stories your spaces can tell, the experiences they can offer, and the healing they can provide.
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