Progression, tranquility, and uplift

As adapting to the arid climate is a primary concern for this charette, I started looking at arid climate practices; some already mentioned in previously posted precedents. I found three main factors that I would address in this meditative space: First, the phase shift which is the time period between the highest outside temperature (mid-day) and the highest inside temperature (mid-night), should be far later in the day and carry on till late night. Second, the amplitude attenuation which is the balance of the outdoor temperature and indoor temperature fluctuation, I wanted to make the inner space a very cool constant temperature throughout the day and into the night. Both would be achieved with heavy wall massing, probably stone or rammed earth primarily on the East and West facades that would collect during the day and release slowly through the night.



Third, in order to compensate the heat accumulation during the hottest summer months, thermal air movement using the stack effect would be crucial. A ‘badger’ know in the Middle East or a ‘windcatcher’ in western terms, would be an ideal incorporation to the design of this space as in its essential design requires a high chimney-like structure, something that could be used in the space’s high ceiling or as a principal hierarchy piece.

These factors are driven by the sole force that occupies the desert: the sun.


Emphasis of the sun's movement throughout the day period within this meditative space is crucial. The play of light and shadow and its ambient warmth draw back into the space’s tranquility and uplifting aura.

An idea is to have a progression, in two ways. The first is the transition from the outside desert into this space; a long narrow passage that ramps up to the ‘elevated’ base of the meditative space conveys a physical and cognitive alteration of the person’s presence through a change in light, elevation, and temperature. Once inside the space, light is present through a narrow horizontal slit (Tadao Ando-ish) and progresses as the sun travels through time. Sound and temperature from outside are disconnected into a tranquil state. A ‘cross-axis’ slit will allow the most amount of light to enter the space for a brief divine moment.



As this is a Vegas, the city does not sleep nor does this meditative space. The night condition would carry a consistent temperature by thermal mass in the walls, while the light which was provided naturally during the day on one cycle, would be repeated again on a second, electric cycle; divine L.E.D.s! This cycle would mimic the natural one with light progression along the slit at a different pace to realign for the next day’s cycle.
Other visual cues at night could come in play from the exterior to light its presence in the desert preserve and draw observers within.

Right now I'm looking into quick solar studies within the desert preserve, material and built form variations, and brewing up some preliminary form.

More visuals coming up soon…