The Sanctuary at Jefferson Universityfrom Design 5 Interior Architecture Studio with Prof. Lauren Baumbach
Thomas Jefferson University’s Office of Student Engagement, The Nature Conservancy in PA, alumni donors, and other stakeholders have formed a coalition with the intention to fund a new spiritual sanctuary on Jefferson’s East Falls Campus. The mission of the sanctuary is to enlighten and support students and faculty in search of spiritual renewal through connect to nature, meditation, contemplation, and self-reflection. The retreat is non-religious and will be open to people of all backgrounds an beliefs. The retreat will feature events and activities including yoga, meditation seminars, non-faith based reflection, spiritual counseling, and nature experiences. To enhance a sense of contemplation the sanctuary will feature works by artists whose pieces are restorative, tranquil, and uniquely spiritual. The retreat is environmentally centered as well as human centered. Therefore, every effort should be made to minimize the building’s carbon footprint through use of local materials, alternative energy sources, natural heating and cooling, and water conservation.
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Duaa Fadol
M.S. Interior Architecture '21 Listening to Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra Continuing upon the knowledge built during my Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, my Masters' has given me a broader perspective of the field and deepened my love for design. With my knowledge obtained, I would like to help students achieve their goals in the field by becoming a lecturer at Princes Norah University in Saudi Arabia. |
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The earth has an invisible power, gravity, and achieving a state of balance depends on it. This power can be seen in the art piece "Balanced Stone" which inspires the design concept of achieving balance. The concept is for the building to help a person feel a sense of peace, strength, balance, and spirituality through an integration with nature. It is further reinforced through the integration of works by the glass artist Dale Chihuly, whose work is biophilic and reminiscent of natural phenomena. The building opens up to the views of nature surrounding it and there is a seamless indoor-outdoor spatial and sensory experience. The ultimate aim is to create a meditative experience that brings an individual to be fully present in the moment, thus achieving a state of life in balance.
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"Connecting with nature and looking at the variety of colors, textures, and smells inspire my sense of design. Through my travels, I have been exposed to a number of cultures that have helped me discover new ways of helping bring people back to nature. "
Hayley Wynne
M.S. Interior Architecture '21 Listening to Neptune by FOALS My undergraduate degree is in Archaeology with a minor in Anthropology; I've always been fascinated by the complexities of identity, collective memory, and material culture. Before I start working on a design, I start by considering the human experience I'm striving to capture, call out, or construct. |
Integrating Self, Nature, and Community
This sanctuary retreat center is focused on integration. Integration is a state of being when one is deeply intune with nature, with self, and with others. 1. Integration with Nature: Provide visual and physical access to nature, use natural materials and palettes, and employ sustainable design strategies throughout. 2. Integration with Self: Create intimate spaces for personal reflection and arrange spatial layout to allow for individual needs and preferences. 3. Integration with Others: Organize spaces to support activities that create meaningful social engagement and connection, and provide zones where more informal interaction can occur organically. |
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"Humanity is a story of shared and sometimes conflicting voices. Until we learn to elevate and celebrate voices that historically have been forcibly muted through racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism, we as an industry will be a poor reflection of the rich beauty that is the human experience."
Alanood Alnowasier
M.S. Interior Architecture '21 Listening to James Arthur I have always been interested in the arts and design, coming from a family where both my mom and grandmother are interior designs. I’ve watched them create wonderful designs going from an idea and a sketch to a fully completed structure. Interior design can provide me with the opportunity to express myself creatively on a regular basis, whether I’m helping a family to design their dream home or assisting a small business owner in renovating or remodeling. This field allows me to be involved in helping others make positive changes and bettering their experiences. |
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This sanctuary uses a series of modules that vary in different three dimensional sizes. These were made to create multiple projections that combine the rectangular models with the materials: stone, wood, and glass. This center will create a sensory experience through light and shade by mitigating daylight into the spaces with either plants or screens. With the use of different materials such as large natural boulders and fine gravel, the user will have a tactile experience with the space. The visual appeal and integration with nature will use a series of framed views that are visible from the courtyard and interior spaces. With the incorporation of these design choices, the center will support both the physiological and psychological well-being of its users.
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"Patience, commitment and perseverance are key to a successful design."
Fullah Hazazi
M.S. Interior Architecture '21 Listening to When You Believe by Whitney & Mariah I always want to learn how improve and enhance the interior of a building and achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. Recently, I won a prestigious scholarship through Jazan University (KSA) to pursue my education in the Ph.D. program in the US and be qualified to join the faculty of Interior Design in Jazan University. |
This sanctuary is centered along a central path which is conceived as a transition from daily life (noise) to silence/calmness (spiritual experience). The beginning of the experience that aims to sensitize the users before bringing them to the sanctuary to bridge the gap between everyday life and linear peace. The path is a transformative space between the 'what was' and the 'next,' a fresh start.
The experience of the path begins with a contemplative pool, situated close to the entry of the building. The light quality of the space changes as the day goes on, creating different shadows along the path. The contemplative pool engages the auditory senses and can be accessible from both the inside and outside of the building. This focal point draws the visitors' attention and guiding them throughout the space. |
"Taking the role of the user allows me to imagine how I would use the space and the influence that the experience has on my mood." |