Page 58 - Designing Ways 286

HELLO
SUMMER

orchids and visitors. By creating a space 2. Sustainable materials: Locally experience that fosters introspection
that embodies Ikigai, the pavilion invites sourced wood and custom-made and harmony.
guests to reconnect with their own sense concrete ceramic pieces, fired in high-
of purpose amidst the serenity of nature. temperature kilns, form the structure. The central element supporting orchid
These materials echo the vernacular growth is the carefully maintained humid
The design prioritises three main traditions of the region, while environment. Pyramid-shaped, water-
elements: adhering to sustainable practices. filled concrete basins crown the wooden
1. Functional simplicity: Twelve 3. A sanctuary for reflection: Beyond structure, releasing tiny droplets that drip
concrete-based humidifiers, utilising its technical role, the pavilion aims to the ground, where they are collected
gravity, create a controlled humid to evoke a profound sense of Ikigai by permanently humid concrete trays.
environment ideal for orchids from in its visitors. Entering the space, This process not only sustains the orchids,
the Oaxacan coast. This system one breathes in the humidity, hears but also eliminates the need for manual
ensures the orchids thrive without the gentle drops of water, and feels irrigation. The breeze and warmth allow
manual watering. the crossing winds - a sensory the plants to absorb moisture directly
from the air and surfaces, mimicking
their natural habitat.
For guests of Casa Wabi, the Orchid
Pavilion offers a tranquil refuge after a
long walk. The shared water - consumed
by both people and orchids - becomes
a metaphor for humanity’s connection
to nature. The sound of dripping water
resonates with natural cycles and human
activity, creating a contemplative journey
that reorients visitors to the humble root
of life.
Fundación Casa Wabi is a non-profit
organisation that fosters dialogue between
contemporary art and local communities
across its locations in Puerto Escondido,
Mexico City, and Tokyo. Rooted in the
Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the

58 Issue 286 • dw