Jack Sheffield

The Sensatorium: An Observatory for Experience

Profane, Identity of space, Preserve, Aesthetics, Carve, Ground

This thesis proposes a new observatory, not for looking out at the cosmos, but for looking inward at conscious experience by investigating the potential connections between architecture and the philosophy of mindfulness practice.

This project asks what architectural interventions can isolate and enhance specific sensed experience? The explorative approach positions mindfulness practice as the theoretical client of the project.

The method of mindfulness that is guiding this project involves optimizing the process of zooming in on the elemental features of a specific felt experience or sense, and zooming out to the gestalt of total awareness. In the context of architecture, the project seeks to translate these principles into a sequential series of five spaces that isolate and enhance distinct sensory experiences – breathing, hearing, touching, seeing, and tasting.

The organization and design of these spaces are structured to provoke salient confrontations with the designated senses and experiences, encouraging users to focus their attention and deepen their awareness. These spaces serve as tools that provide opportunities for zooming in through a mindful exploration of the environment.

The sequencing of the spaces follows a trajectory that mimics a traditional path of building mindfulness techniques, starting with the breath then gradually expanding to encompass the other senses.

Each space will be accompanied by directions in the trail guide that feature short meditative inquiries and prompts that guide user’s attention to the interface of architectural space and consciousness. These subtle guides will help establish a contemplative mindset before physically engaging the space.

The project site is in Griffith Park along the Aileen Getty Ridge Hiking Trail, nestled between Wisdom Tree and Cahuenga Peak. Hikers must first trek past the famous Hollywood sign before reaching Cahuenga Peak where they are greeted by the project’s entryway. This spot marks the transition from the external journey to the inward. The site has an abundance of sensory stimuli and serves as an ideal sensory stimulator and mixer. The combination of views toward the city and its direct immersion in nature offer the opportunity for users to zoom out, reintegrating their senses to take in the broader context of experience. This is a place where people can curiously linger with their sensed experiences.

The sequence concludes at the tea house under Wisdom Tree. Here, hikers may reflect and feel gratitude for the complex series of events that occurred that brings their tea to their lips.

This thesis delves into the interconnections between architecture and mindfulness. By using the structure of a mindfulness practice as a framework for generating architecture, the project asks what role can the buildings we occupy/interact with play in helping us tune our awareness? The project explores these questions through methods of activating space with the goal of connecting people to nature, their senses, and the present moment.

Tea House Rendering

Section Through Breathing and Meditation Space

Vision Space Rendering

Hearing Space Rendering