The Torii Pavilion: A Gathering Space Embodying Energy Flow

My name is Luis Pons and I’m an architect, interior designer, and product designer. I have been interested in bamboo for many years and would now like to pursue the dream of creating projects with this fantastic plant.

I took the Fundamentals of Building with Bamboo course and it provided me with an invaluable foundation. It gave me an understanding of the physical properties of bamboo and an idea of how to build with it. It is a great starting point with a brilliant methodology that focuses on the direct experience of working with the material by using small models. This direct contact with bamboo was genius and so special. In my case, the course showed me how crucial it is to grasp bamboo’s structural capabilities, choose the right structural system, and make it all work in practice.

My project was constantly changing as I explored directly with the model. At the end of the process, I understood the mistakes I made and learned how to create a cohesive structure. 

Related: A Wonderful Pavilion for Gathering And Experiencing Art

My project is called the Torii Pavilion and is located at the Ashram Caminantes del Atardecer, Uvita, Costa Rica. It is a multipurpose gathering space for a School of Consciousness (School of Divine Principles). The pavilion is made from Guadua angustifolia bamboo. The space can host meetings, events, yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, and other Vedic teachings and practices.

The pavilion takes the form of a torus. This represents the process of energy flow in perfect unified balance, from cells to organisms, ecosystems to Earth, animals to people. By embodying the dynamic energy flow process of the torus with our own energy flow, it allows us to unify and integrate our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Each of these, when functioning together as a whole, restores the dynamic balance and mutually empower each other. 

The torus pattern is the most coherent, self-generating and self-sustaining form of dynamic energy. Its form reminds us of the magnetic fields present in every living system, to find alignment and evolve as Humanity.

Additionally, the dynamic nature of the torus also works to enhance personal connectivity and awareness. This structure is suspended within an earthy nest, allowing visitors to experience it from multiple usable spaces. The pavilion’s rooted base provides stability. Meanwhile, its cascading crown acts as an open roof, offering a sense of openness and connection to the surroundings. 

Then, at the heart of the torus lies the center space. This serves as the core of the pavilion, emanating vibrations that ascend and evolve. This central point is crucial in creating a space that is both grounding and uplifting. It invites visitors to engage deeply with their environment and each other. The pavilion’s design not only provides a unique spatial experience, but also fosters a sense of unity and mindfulness among its users.

I have always been in love with the way tension works in archery. Using the potential of bamboo and its flexibility in tension, I created a system of trusses using tensile metal joinery and metallic wires combined with bamboo.

The more you develop the concept, the more you realize the scale, and proportions of the structural elements you were considering. This is when the structural properties of the material become a reality check.

At some point, I understood that the complexity of the project and the time to work on it were not in my favor. Many things were not resolved in the final model, but it was a great lesson for me. Despite the time constraints, I tried to complete the form as much as I could, as per how I envisioned it.

The final model showcases this truss system creating a very artistic piece. I didn’t get around to adding the secondary structures that would reinforce the building in multiple directions. Plus, I didn’t place the roof structure, and it was tough to show the hardscape and how I wanted to treat the different topographic levels. In the end I presented what I could accomplish within the time frame. 

After finishing the presentation, I removed part of the structure and created a new simple structure with a roof that collects water and serves as a ceremonial space. That is shown in the image below.

Every piece of information I received from Bamboo U was key in the process. The most important part was to be open to adjustments due to the nature of the material. With bamboo, it is crucial to follow its nature and let yourself be guided by its own wisdom. Bamboo U focuses on teaching the nature and dynamic flow of this beautiful material. It challenges us to explore and to move away from our traditional and comfortable way of working on our projects.  That challenging aspect of the course was so rich and special.  Every module was amazing, and each of them enhanced the next one. 

I am personally and professionally so grateful to Bamboo U. I hope to be able to do an 11-day Build and Design course in Bali one day.

Want to develop your own bamboo project? Join one of our courses HERE!