Foreword
We are thrilled to announce the results of the second edition of the Into the Rabbit Hole Design competition. Archiol organized this competition with the intention of breaking the banality of healing architecture designs and encouraging architects and designers to explore extreme possibilities in architectural design. Our goal was to challenge conventional thinking and explore the use of imagination to design spaces that can heal the human mind.
In a world where mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, the need for innovative and imaginative solutions is more urgent than ever. Architects and designers play a crucial role in shaping the built environment, and it is our responsibility to contribute to the well-being of people through our creative endeavours.
The Into the Rabbit Hole Design competition was not about creating literal designs, but rather about pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking and exploring new dimensions of architectural design. We encouraged participants to think outside the box and develop conceptual designs that went beyond conditioned norms. The challenge was to create a space, an underland, that could heal stressed living beings using geometry and volume as the primary tools of expression.
We were truly overwhelmed by the response to this competition, with submissions pouring in from all around the world. The creativity, innovation, and passion displayed by the participants were truly inspiring. The designs we received were nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing a deep understanding of the relationship between architecture and mental well-being.
Scroll down to check the winning entries:
Top 3
FIRST
Yanyun Wang, Jiafei Liu, Wenhan Li & Teng Guo
China
SECOND
Christeven Cohen & Lawrence Nobel
Indonesia
THIRD
Martyna Skóra
Poland
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
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Heterotopia
Yanyun Wang, Jiafei Liu, Wenhan Li & Teng Guo
China
JURY COMMENTS
Rooted in Foucault's theory, it becomes a symbolic sanctuary, representing the essence of peace. Its mysterious allure, guarded by the password "Humility," speaks volumes about the resilience of the human spirit. This project not only pays homage to Syria's golden age but also offers a vision of unity, connectivity, and healing. By reimagining the past, it paints a hopeful future, marking it as an extraordinary venture in architectural storytelling and envisioning.
-Andreea Felciuc
The consequences of war are devastating to both the built environment and the human kind. Recovery (or healing) from such trauma, if even possible, will take time. The project imagines a parallel underground world of peace, that seeks to preserve humanity through hope. A beautiful and powerful project.
-Dr Henry Tsang
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
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The Journey of Healing
Christeven Cohen & Lawrence Nobel
Indonesia
JURY COMMENTS
Its responsive architecture, akin to a supportive companion, tailors spaces to each person's unique narrative, evolving dynamically with their healing journey. Symbolic elements, from challenging stairs to calming pools, metaphorically mirror the complexities of mental struggles, resilience, and unyielding hope. This design is not just a static framework but a living, breathing entity that adapts, instilling strength and optimism.
-Andreea Felciuc
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
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The Tube
Martyna Skóra
Poland
JURY COMMENTS
SPECIAL MENTION
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Vitruvian Society: A biomimicry of inclusive spaces
José Luis Pérez Hermo
Spain
JURY COMMENTS
This visionary concept transcends rigid boundaries, embodying inclusivity and environmental harmony. By dynamically shaping communal spaces based on interactive resonance, it fosters a society rooted in sustainable practices.
-Andreea Felciuc
Honorable Mention
Yebin Park
South Korea
Peikai He, Shang Xinyi, Yangxue Ying
China
Yihui Chen, Lao Linqi, Zhao Zixuan & Li Xiaoyue
China
Lauren Konstantinou, Falder Munn
South Africa
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Urban Detox
Yebin Park
South Korea
JURY COMMENTS
The ingenious detoxing rotary application offers individual sanctuaries amidst abandoned spaces. Each space, marked by vibrant colors, fosters introspection and relief, creating a harmonious blend of tranquillity and urbanity.
-Andreea Felciuc
The hustle and bustle of cities are stressful. This project proposes to bring places of respite to temporarily "escape" from this environment. The narrative is strong and timely, however, the execution and design of the architecture could have been more specifically oriented towards "healing".
-Dr Henry Tsang
HONOURABLE MENTION
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A Path to the Serenity
Peikai He, Shang Xinyi, Yangxue Ying
China
JURY COMMENTS
The symbolic use of water as a unifying thread adds a poetic resonance, embodying the fluidity of life and emotions. This project provides a safe passage through the labyrinth of grief, offering a transformative journey toward self-acceptance and serenity.
-Andreea Felciuc
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Inner Sanctum
Yihui Chen, Lao Linqi, Zhao Zixuan & Li Xiaoyue
China
JURY COMMENTS
In the elegant simplicity of the project, the profound complexities of human emotions find their authentic voice. The slender corridor, a poetic thread connecting realms, symbolizes the profound odyssey between emotion and reason.
-Andreea Felciuc
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Euphorica
Lauren Konstantinou, Falder Munn
South Africa
JURY COMMENTS
Euphorica stands as an epitome of utopian imagination, woven from ethereal light and boundless creativity. With boundless architectural wonders shaped by individual desires, Euphorica embodies the utopian ideal—a realm where healing, self-discovery, and resplendent beauty converge in a harmonious dance of the soul.
-Andreea Felciuc
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
Shortlisted Entries
2.0 Healing [literally] out of the box
Sanae Korchi
Netherlands
Inspired by the freedom of birds and the nomadic spirit, it introduces a flexible structure enabling communities to build, transport, and even swap homes worldwide. Emphasizing communal living, it fosters bonds through shared activities, from communal gardening and co-working spaces to mutual child care and skill-sharing workshops. This project is a beacon of social cohesion, environmental consciousness, and mental well-being, earning high praise for its transformative vision and communal harmony.
-Andreea Felciuc
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Woven Dreams
Leyang Li, Duan Yuxi, Xu Yining & Zhong huaping
China
Drawing from the symbolism of the Tree of Life, it signifies infinite healing potential. The incorporation of space-time elements and parallel worlds elevates the experience, marking it as a visionary architectural endeavor, seamlessly weaving science fiction, future concepts, and profound healing into its very essence.
-Andreea Felciuc
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A Phantansyland for No one
Ao Xu
China
Rooted in a deep understanding of urban stress, this conceptual design redefines forgotten corners into healing havens. The incorporation of destiny dice and a chessboard enriches the experiential journey. Symbolic spatial themes guide visitors from chaos to cocooning, fostering solitude and self-reflection.
-Andreea Felciuc
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City Wake
Ruxin Ji, Xiner Li
China
By mapping specific emotions onto diverse spaces, the project exhibits a nuanced approach to urban design. This holistic approach not only enriches individual experiences but also fosters a vibrant, emotionally balanced urban environment.
-Andreea Felciuc
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The Soul Project
Aarzoo R, Anjali Kulshrestha & Harshitha S
India
By encapsulating six fundamental emotions in individual pods, it invites visitors to fully experience their feelings, promoting emotional release and understanding. The sequential pathway, from Anger to Happiness, offers a cathartic experience, guiding individuals through a holistic emotional spectrum.
-Andreea Felciuc
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New Home For Coral And Marine Life
Yigin Wang
Japan
This innovative project transcends conventional boundaries, merging self-awareness, and environmental conservation. It offers solace to tired minds, inviting introspection and connection with nature. As visitors walk through the transparent bubbles, they find tranquility, observing life's intricate dance. This project, harmoniously uniting human well-being and environmental healing, earns high praise for its profound impact and visionary approach.
-Andreea Felciuc
Organizers
