Have you ever experienced the strong desire to be in the presence of trees and sunshine, as well as the overwhelming pull towards nature? It’s like a magnet, drawing us in and making us feel lighter and more connected. Imagine harnessing the same bond, that feeling of “home,” even in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Here, architecture and yoga combine to create environments that support both the body and the mind.
How to find inner peace in the middle of chaos (Thoma, 2014)
When we face difficulties in life, we occasionally just want to relax and turn to our favourite television shows for solace rather than partake in activities that will actually benefit us. In this situation, yoga can be a useful tool for helping us overcome our walls and rediscover who we really are. We can take a deep breath and re-establish our connection to our inner serenity, as if we were able to press pause on the never-ending bustle.
What about the city, though? We may experience physical and mental exhaustion and a sense of disconnection due to the nonstop noise and lack of green areas. Mindful architecture can help with this, providing a solution that is both elegant and functional.
From ancient caves to contemporary marvels, nature inspires us.
Picture entering a prehistoric cave shelter with beautifully carved walls or looking up at Delhi’s magnificent Lotus Temple, which has petals that seem to reach the sky. These buildings were not merely constructed; they were influenced by the elements, forces, and nature itself. Buildings can represent this connection, just as yoga poses are named after plants and animals, taking inspiration from the natural world.
Yoga and Architecture: Authentic instances of your peaceful sanctuary (Gattupalli, 2022; Blankenberger, 2016)
Consider doing yoga in an environment that is more than simply a room; rather, it should feel like an extension of your practice. Huge windows let in plenty of natural light, which creates jovial shadows that stretch you out like you are in a tree pose. You are surrounded by earthy tones of green and brown that are reminiscent of the rootedness of Tadasana (mountain pose) and soothing natural colours. Bringing yoga’s teachings to the architectural world, this is the magic of mindfulness in design:
The mesmerising effect of light:
Imagine the Yoga Garden and Art Gallery located in Brno. Imagine glass walls that obfuscate the boundaries between the studio and the surrounding vegetation. The sunlight appears to be dancing on the walls, resembling a graceful and balanced Natarajasana (dancer pose). Like when you focus on your breath during yoga, this natural light not only brightens the room but also aids in concentration.
The soothing hug of colour:
Now let us head to Bangkok to visit the Vikasa headquarters. Nature-inspired hues like blue and green are used throughout the space, which is separated into private and public pods. Contemplate how these colours evoke the tranquillity of meditation, much as Sukhasana (a simple pose) calms the mind and body.
Materials that ground you:
Consider doing yoga at the Yoga Garden & Art Gallery Brno, which is decorated with organic materials like wood and stone. Like Vrkshasana, which grounds you to the earth, these earthy materials provide a sense of connection and grounding. This connection is strengthened even more at Vikasa Headquarters, where the exposed wood gives you the impression that you are doing yoga outside in the great outdoors.
Discovering your haven:
Like the pods at the Vikasa Headquarters, picture a place that provides both seclusion and a sense of community. Just as corpse pose, or Savasana, promotes deep relaxation, these private spaces let you focus inward. Nonetheless, the courtyard filled with native plants fosters a feeling of community, much like yoga does.
Bringing it back home:
Remember, these are just real-life examples. These ideas can also be applied to your personal area. Let some natural light in by opening the curtains, adding some plants for a peaceful ambience, or painting your walls a tranquil shade of grey. Creating a space that supports your practice and your well-being is more important than trying to replicate a particular design.
Thus, when you lay down on your yoga mat the next time, pause to notice the space around you. It may represent your inner journey, a symbiotic union of yoga and architecture that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit, or it may be more than just walls and a roof.
Yoga with a View: Real-life Studios that Inspire
Picture yourself doing yoga in the sunshine, among trees, in the soothing embrace of the natural world. These incredible yoga studios do exist, despite popular belief! Let us look at two amazing places that enhance your practice through architecture:
The Garden Oasis of Brno: An Art Gallery and Yoga Garden (Pintos, 2021)
This retreat in the Czech Republic aimed to feel organic without being dated. The building’s main features were preserved, but the remainder was renovated to let in more natural light. The boundaries between inside and outside are blurred as sunlight pours through large windows. You will be able to see the sky, trees, and even parts of the building around you, but do not worry, the design keeps your inner focus intact.
With its natural flooring, exposed wood beams, and peaceful courtyard garden, the room has a whisper of nature throughout. Additionally, the room is well-lit by natural light, which will strengthen your spiritual connection.
Bangkok’s Tranquil Escape: Vikasa Headquarters (Abdel, 2021)
This Thai haven features private and public “pods” for diverse needs, not forgetting luxurious bathrooms (because self-care matters!). Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light while maintaining privacy. The architects aimed to create a peaceful haven that mirrored the natural world.
Locally sourced materials like wood, rattan, and palm leaves weave throughout the walls, columns, seating, and even the ceiling, immersing you in a natural embrace. Native plants create a serene buffer from the city’s bustle, and the pods are designed to let in filtered light, fostering a deep sense of spiritual connection.
Transform Your Space: From Living Room to Yoga Sanctuary
Craving that zen vibe from those amazing yoga studios with sunlight dappling the floor, lush plants whispering, and the gentle trickle of water soothing your soul? Believe it or not, you can bring that magic right into your own home! Let’s turn your living room into a personal sanctuary.
Open the door to the sunshine.
Remember how focused natural light calmed and energised you in those studios? Let it work its magic at home! Throw open the curtains, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, install skylights to bathe your space in warm, natural light. It’s like a built-in stress reliever, helping you focus on your inner peace and connect with your practice.
Embrace the green thumb.
Plants aren’t just decorative wonders; they breathe life into your space and purify the air you breathe during your practice. Add some greenery! Consider easy-care options like snake plants or spider plants. Feeling fancy? Create a mini-zen garden with different textures and colours. And that calming water sound you loved? Replicate it with a small tabletop fountain or even a water-filled bowl with smooth stones—the gentle trickle works wonders!
Bring Nature’s Calm Home: Simple Tips for Your Yoga Space
Go natural:
Ditch the plastic and opt for materials like mud plaster (earthy blues, greens, and browns!), pebble walls, and local wood. These natural elements connect you to the earth and create a peaceful atmosphere, just like those calming yoga studios.
Less is more:
Keep things simple! Use a single colour scheme (think different shades of wood) to avoid distractions. Skip the bold contrasts that might pull your focus away from your practice. Remember, a clutter-free space helps you clear your mind and truly connect with your yoga journey.
Bonus tip:
Choose a theme and design your space around it. Maybe a beachy vibe with sand-coloured walls and driftwood accents, or a forest theme with earthy tones and calming greenery. The possibilities are endless!
References:
- Casey Thoma (2014). Nature and Yoga: The Connection Between Mother Earth and Yoga. Lisle: Prairie Yoga Lisle. Retrieved from: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://3989ac5bcbe1edfc864a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/prairieyoga/pdfs/Thesis_Project-_Nature_and_Yoga.pdf
- Denise Blankenberger (2016). Yoga and Architecture: A Philosophical Design Approach, Indiana: Ball State University, Muncie. Retrieved from: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/84bfb923-f601-438a-8b90-db8b5b7a83b4/content
- Gattupalli, A. (2022, June 21). Architecture and Yoga: Tools for Mindfulness. Archdaily.[Online] Retrieved from: https://www.archdaily.com/983907/architecture-and-yoga-tools-for-mindfulness#:~:text=Rather%20than%20embodying%20passive%20infrastructure,force%20between%20person%20and%20place.
- Pintos, P. (2021, June 5). Yoga Garden & Art Gallery Brno / RO_AR Szymon Rozwałka architects. Archdaily [online]. Retrieved from: https://www.archdaily.com/962838/yoga-garden-and-art-gallery-brno-ro-ar-szymon-rozwalka-architects?ad_source=myarchdaily&ad_medium=bookmark-show&ad_content=current-user
- Abdel, H. (2020, February 20). VIKASA Headquarters / Enter Projects Asia. Archdaily [Online]. Retrieved from: https://www.archdaily.com/934159/vikasa-headquarters-enter-projects-asia
Image References:
- 1_The Space Inbetween [Photograph]_ McGuinness, M
- 2_Lotus Temple_Clicks and Tales Photography
- 3_Garden Yoga Studio [Photograph] _ Marrote, G
- 4_ The space Between [Photograph]_Stoinska, A
- 5_ Flow and Yoga Movement Studio [Photograph]_ Neito, IC
- 6_ Yoga Deva [Photograph]_ Timmerman, B
- 7_Yoga Garden & Art Gallery Brno [Photograph]_Boysplaynice
- 8_Yoga Garden & Art Gallery Brno: Yoga Complementing Architecture [Photograph]_Boysplaynice
- 9_Yoga Garden & Art Gallery Brno: Yoga Complementing Architecture: 2 [Photograph]_Boysplaynice
- 10_Yoga Garden & Art Gallery Brno: Yoga Complementing Architecture: 3 [Photograph]_Boysplaynice
- 11_Vikasa Headquarters [Photograph]_Sumner, E
- 12_Vikasa Headquarters: Golden Glow Enlightenment [Photograph]_Sumner, E
