Third Place Winner
The Zen tempest: A sensory museum unraveling the scars of Japan.
Design by
Pranav Batra, Deepanjana Das & Het Parikh
Incredibly interesting narrative, graphics and imagery. I enjoyed the tactile and aural explorations added into the spatial journey, and the engagement of all senses, including the gently guiding scent of cherry blossoms.
-Sunanda Satwah
Philosophy underpinning design is complex and intricate, drawing on myriad influences, enhancing the design. However, a clearer synthesis of these disparate ideas could have aided in presenting a more coherent narrative. A comprehensive treatment of sensory stimuli, especially within the interior spaces, is used to its full potential.
-Ayman Hassanen
Pranav Batra, Deepanjana Das & Het Parikh
Pranav Batra, Deepanjana Das & Het Parikh
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Introduction
We are the students of school of Planning and architecture, in Delhi, India.
Our team consists of
Deepanjana Das
Het Parikh
Pranav Batra
We started our design journey together in 2020 when we joined this college for our undergraduate degree.
Our collective experiences and challenges have enriched our understanding and empathy towards our users, serving as a significant catalyst in our endeavour to conceive multifaceted architectural projects that contribute meaningful value in the dynamic world of architecture.
Design Concept
Despite of being devoid of The sensory approach through taste, the museum indulges all other senses. Not just limiting to the visitor of the museum, but the viewer of the project has their senses involved and evoked just by very glimpse of it.
Sensory Architecture Significance
Our design centers on two psychological worldviews of trauma survivors: succumbing to despair or overcoming adversity with determination. We've created two distinct paths in the museum that represent these experiences through sensory engagement, focusing on auditory, visual, and olfactory elements. This design aims to convey the essence of these two philosophies.
To create an immersive experience, we utilized various elements. We manipulated lighting, incorporated natural daylight, and used both light and dark spaces to engage the visual senses. We also employed captivating color schemes and compositions. For sound, we introduced clinking broken glass and the sound of ocean waves, which served as a navigational guide. As for the sense of smell, the consistent scent of cherry blossoms united the design, offering visitors a unique olfactory journey. These design innovations combined to craft an alternate reality within this sensory odyssey.
Sustainability Integration
Incorporating sustainable design principles into our Sensory Museum in Japan was a meticulous process. To minimize embodied carbon, we utilized locally sourced rocks on site for the labyrinth pathway and the spirit of life was sculpted with rocks from the nearby sea, reducing our environmental footprint. Additionally, we repurposed crockery pieces from waste materials, ensuring sustainability in our exhibits.Also site selection played an important role for the construction of the museum. The museum's walls are constructed from natural materials, and we adorned them with local species of flowers, promoting biodiversity and regional culture. To harness natural light effectively, we integrated translucent walls, reducing the need for artificial lighting and energy consumption. While sustainability integration posed challenges, we strived to engage visitors' senses in an environmentally conscious manner, offering a unique, eco-friendly museum experience.
Design Evolution
The idea started with a goal to create a landmark commemorating a cause, telling a story of human resilience, survival, and triumph. We introduced the concept of kintsugi, symbolizing optimism, the golden thread connecting fates, and the light after tragedy.
After kintsugi, we moved to Japan, a land plagued by natural disasters throughout history. Despite the hardships, the human spirit perseveres. Survivors face the choice of succumbing to despair or moving forward with strength to conquer past adversities.
So we focused on this duality of the human psyche and translated them into two principal pathways within this museum-
The labyrinth of grief-
The place initially seems tempting and short at first, but as you explore it, you encounter a perilous journey filled with constant cracks, the sound of broken glass, and an eerie atmosphere as you move on and on in an endless spiral. Occasional whiffs of cherry blossoms offer fleeting comfort, symbolizing hope just out of reach. The path mirrors the challenging journey of overcoming trauma.
horizons of hope-
Another opening reveals a seemingly longer but straightforward path, symbolizing patience. Visitors following this route find themselves on a sky bridge with a golden handrail, offering a panoramic view through transparent walls. The experience emphasizes the power of nature as the ultimate equalizer, but rising above it brings a sense of tranquility, accompanied by the soothing sound of ocean waves.
At the end the visitors would reach the final central installation, leading them to the end of the circle of life.
Community and Environmental Impact
Targeting to involve the entire contextual community was a primary objective during the design process which hence lead to selection of Japan as the site for design where they share a mutual theme, which brings everyone together to come out of those miseries collectively. So the design provides with an optimistic approach towards their melancholies.
Therefore, incorporation of multiple sensory approaches makes this transition more efficient and with a profound eternal impacts
Guidance for Aspiring Designers
In offering advice to aspiring designers interested in crafting innovative and sensory-rich architectural spaces like those in sensory museums, I would emphasize several key factors based on my experience. First and foremost, it's essential to approach the concept with precision and creativity. Understanding the site and its contextual elements is paramount, as this knowledge will guide the design decisions and create a profound connection between the museum and its surroundings. Furthermore, seamless incorporation of the senses is vital for the success of any design project in sensory architecture. Designers should consider how to engage each sense in a harmonious and captivating manner, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience for visitors. Leveraging the power of natural elements, such as sunlight, water, and earth, can greatly enhance the sensory experience. These elements hold a profound connection with people, making their use a means to create more meaningful interactions within the space. Cultural integration is another valuable aspect to consider. By infusing elements of local culture, designers can deepen the authenticity and emotional resonance of the sensory experience, enabling visitors to connect with the museum on a cultural and personal level. Above all, the quality of space is pivotal. Design should encompass the entire museum as a holistic sensory journey. Attention to layout, flow, and aesthetics is crucial to ensuring the space effectively emphasizes the intended sensory experience and resonates with visitors on multiple levels. In summary, aspiring designers should focus on concept, sensory integration, natural elements, cultural relevance, and the overall quality of space to create successful and unforgettable architectural spaces that captivate and engage visitors.
Reflections on Winning
It feels amazing to be in top 3 in this competition we look forward to participate more and improve it was a great experience creating this museum. We are really grateful to the jurors to provide us with their valuable feedback on our work.Being specific to sensory design approach in architecture, when creating a space a sense of connection with the space and belonging in imaginary terms is vital to create a balanced, decipherable and a meaningful experience for the visitors as indulging of the senses play a pivotal role in any space.
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