Society of Spiritual Solace

CONTENTSPAGE

The meaning of spirituality has developed and expanded over time yet the one thing that remains constant is its connection with nature. Almost all religions have nature-centric spiritual traditions. Hence, it can be argued that our landscape is inseparable from the sacred. In this project, I explore the spiritual significance of the Banyan tree and the Reishi mushroom, both of which are linked to longevity and immor-tality. The programs of the Society of Spiritual Solace grow qualitatively, mimicking the growth of the Banyans which they surround. Thereby, also allowing patrons of the architecture to take delight in the construction of the building. The programs that revolve around the Malayan Banyans of Kallang Riverside Park, are designed to offer opportunities of sponta-neity, acceptance and creativity through which we can experience spiri-tual moments. They provide deeply sustaining intervals of relief when we are free from our customary egoistic vigilance. Programs like art therapy and yoga classes keep the pressures of ordinary life distant from us so that we are free to look beyond our egos and view the world in a new and unfamiliar light.

By using natural construction materials like bamboo and mycelium, I am also able to create sacred spaces from materials that are symbols of spiritual health. Patrons will therefore be able to appreciate the myceli-um technology by picking mushrooms off the "growing" walls. I hope my architecture will be able to inspire a new sensitivity about our external environment.