Architecture Studio IV

The path leads downward through a wall of water parting just enough for passage. Just before the entrance a heavy mass hangs overhead, almost cavernous, while the water crashes behind and the city and street sounds are replaced. The sound dims to a calming white noise as you enter and offer your worldly possessions in exchange for a robe. The light is dim and warm, no natural light seeps in. Walking up the slope, the room compresses before you round the corner and sight up a narrow one-way stair. The stair corridor, still dimly lit, draws the eye toward light awaiting at the end. At the top of the stairs, your eyes adjust for the flood of bright light as you are drawn through an indoor/outdoor space. Beyond the courtyard, you greet a well-tended garden hosting a unique variety of local foliage and the sound of a familiar, calming white noise. A view of the street below and Sloan's Lake beyond is a subtle reminder of your placement in the city. Its time for the afternoon meditation so you head upward into the main meditation room where all sounds fade out. Connection to the city is removed as the sightline outward reveals only the tops of trees and sky. A singing bowl is rung and you take a breath.