Hortus Conclusus

Location: Diemen, Amsterdam

Function: Retreat centre

Diemen becomes bigger and bigger and the nature of Diemen is becoming in danger because it is going to be replaced by buildings in the future. How can we protect a piece of the existing context of the nature of Diemen and see nature as an opportunity and a potential of the place? A retreat center is a perfect opportunity to protect nature and make spaces for people to completely let go of the stress. Retreat like Yoga, meditation has a big relation with nature, because nature is an important element of relaxation and meditation. By making a Hortus Conclusus, enclosed gardens, we can protect nature and make gardens for the program. The circle is the main basic shape of nature. It is a walk from one circle to the other circle and crosses the enclosed gardens with the concept of a cloister. It is about experiencing the rooms by circles and experiencing the circles as a whole by the design of the materialization of the floors, walls, and the ceiling. This Hortus Conclusus is capturing the aspects of nature and landscape of the room which is connected to the garden. The gardens and the circles are leading you through the space.

Using enclosed gardens to capture the nature and biodiversity of the surrounding.

'It is a walk from one circle to the other circle'

The continuation of circles

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