1. Aldana Ferrer Garcia (2015) More Sky (collapsible window seat)
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/tags/skylight/
The extending window seat allows the resident to expand the living area of this home without disrupting the building itself. “The project merges a window, lounge, and skylight” (K.Sierzputowski 2015). If living in a small, busy space the resident is able to look vertically up to temporarily remove themselves from the distractions of that environment, allowing them to concentrate on contemplation. The project “serves as a niche that can provide more access to natural light and nature within an urban environment” (K.Sierzputowski 2015).
2. The Windhover Contemplative Center by Aidlin Darling Design (2014)
The Windhover Contemplative Center, “neither a house of worship nor a traditional art gallery, it has an open-ended program that embraces both and more” (L.Lee 2015). The centre provides a feeling of detachment from the busy everyday and for its visitors to gain a greater perspective on the world. The huge open space of this centre offers breathing room to fully focus and contemplate.
3. Skystation by Peter Newman (2022)
https://www.dezeen.com/2022/07/03/ufo-bench-skystation-peter-newman-canary-wharf/
The Skystation has been “recently installed in the London financial district to encourage people to stop, recline and look up at the sky” (T. Ravenscroft 2022). Designed by Newman as a usable sculpture, made from aluminium bronze. The Skystation has been placed in an area where the work/life balance isn’t so healthy, with employees working long hours, imposing a forced contemplation for these individuals. Even in our busy lives, we should always find the time to contemplate.