Rejuvenating Island: Meditation Centre and Eco-Resort

Abstract

As I write the final paper, I realize how much of my design has changed. Initially, my intentions were to create an entire urban context for the city of Vijayawada, I was definitely thinking big, "Too big" my professor would emphasize. To narrow it down I kept asking myself what am I exploring? What should be the outcome? What kind of experience do I want to create in the given context? While going through this process, I realized how much easier all of this would have been if I just knew what I wanted straight away. But nothing ever is that straight forward and hence the process has turned out to be invaluable to me. My project now stands as a conclusion of my journey, with each of my insights realized into the design. I believe an architect should design open ended stories for users instead of expressing her own rigid ideals. She should imagine herself in their place and design an environment that best expresses them. The architect can choose to be conventional or creative, symbolic or expressionistic, abstract or actually, use concrete or glass. So a place to follow a path and realize one's self has been the motivation that has driven this project forward. This project looks at architecture as it plays a more narrative role rather than an iconic forefront role. The final built form is intended to act as a backdrop for human emotions.