Bee Breeders Architecture Competitions has announced the Silent Meditation Forest Cabins architecture competition to create a space where guests can "unplug" from the constant noise and distractions of the technological world, and focus on quiet reflection with a simple cup of tea.

Bee Breeders architecture competition organisers are asking participants to create designs for a silent meditation cabin that could be replicated in any number of spots throughout the forest. The cabin’s main purpose is to help guests enjoy silent meditation, where the only sounds they would hear would be the sounds of nature.

With winning designs being considered for construction - and Latvia’s reputation as one of the greenest countries in Europe - projects should have the potential to become a regional example of green building practice, focusing on eco-friendly and cost-effective building techniques.

Silent meditation techniques are used to calm the mind and enhance concentration. Often referred to as Vipassana - which means viewing things just as they are - this type of meditation can be both extremely challenging and rewarding. Retreating from vocal communication, technology, and even eye contact, requires a great deal of commitment and mental strength. However, it can also be a profound and life-changing experience.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins is a collaboration with Ozolini Teamakers, run by Brigita and Dima Lukini from Riga, Latvia. Drawing on generations of knowledge and experience with herbs and tea-making, the couple create mixtures of herbal teas for everyday life to offer to city-dwellers. With millennials beginning to find their way back to the countryside and craving a connection to nature, Ozolini is opening its doors to the like-minded individuals who look to reflect on their own experiences through meditation and retreat into the wilderness.

With competition winners being put forward for consideration for construction, designs for the the Silent Meditation Forest Cabins should focus on eco-friendly and cost-effective building techniques. As Latvia has a reputation as one of Europe’s greenest countries, the structure should have the potential to become a regional example of green building practice.

Eligibility

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum).

Language

- Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English.
- All information submitted by participants must be in English.

Prizes

1st prize: US $3,000 / Publications Certificate of Achievement

2nd prize: US $1,500 / Publications Certificate of Achievement

3rd prize: US $500 / Publications Certificate of Achievement

BB Student Award: US $500 (more details here) / Publications Certificate of Achievement

BB Green Award: US $500: US $500 (more details here) / Publications Certificate of Achievement

The competition will select 6 Honorable Mentions.

Publications: The winners will get international art and design media coverage and will be featured on the Bee Breeders website and social pages. 

Certificate: Bee Breeders will also acknowledge the outstanding performance of all winners and honourable mentions with Certificates of Achievement.

Jury panel is composed of Audrey McKee from Renzo Piano Building Workshop in France, Carlos M Guimarães – depA, correspondent of A10 magazine in Portugal, Daniel Jacobs from SHoP Architects, New York City, USA, Gemawang Swaribathoro from OMA, Hong Kong, John Paul Rysavy from SHoP Architects, New York City, USA; And-Either-Or Austin, Texas and Brooklyn, New York, USA. See the competition's full jury panel here.

Key dates for the competition

Closing date for registration: 23 October, 2018

Closing date for project submission: 19 November, 2018 (11.59pm GMT)

Announcement of the winners: 18 December, 2018

Competition brief, photographs and 2D - 3D images of the site can be downloaded from the competition's website. Contact Bee Breeders to receive special student rates for group registrations (discount applies for 3+ registrations from one university/school) and to receive further information and support for getting your students involved in architecture competitions. 

World Architecture Community is Media Partner for Bee Breeders Architecture Competitions. 

All images courtesy of Bee Breeders 

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