Motivation for the typology
The practice of yoga and meditation has been an important aspect of my Hindu culture since childhood. It is a powerful tool to improve the state of mind as well as the way of living life and the upbringing. That being said, in recent times, one tends to live life in the midst of chaos which reflects in the state of mind in the form of stress, anxiety, depression… So, meditation is a form of art to get mental peace and well-being and fill that void to find balance between active professional and private life. This practice has been accepted in the western world and is most common among the adults as a remedy or solution for their state of mind instead of being a part of daily life and upbringing among kids unlike eastern culture. By designing a place for learning and practising yoga for the young kids, this aspect of life can be realized and practised by the upcoming generation.
Preferred location
Keeping the core idea of the spatial context for my anatomical model at the back of my mind, I started looking for the places with easy accessibility, within the urban vicinity yet detached from the real world. So, wandering around Maastricht got me to this beautiful array of green environments – CNME Natuurtuinen Jekerdal, located in the middle of the Jeker valley, near the river Jeker. Surrounded by the green vegetation border, there was this place which was there, yet hidden out of nowhere.The open green land around the place was serene.The sense of belonging culminating from the nature draws you to this serene place.The open sky with the backdrop of the rows of houses have the sense of urban presence overlooking the beautiful landscape.
Site analysis
The preferred location for the anatomical model is well situated in the vicinity of the sports centre – Sportclub Jekerdal and the nature gardens – CNME Natuurtuinen Jekerdal along the valley of the river Jekerdal, a synthesis of the urban tissue and the natural environment. Here, they spend a good amount of time to enhance their sportsman spirit and take interest in nature, so there is already a certain flow of people around this very location. This place for yoga will surely attract and benefit the interested kids to learn and practise this very form of art of living and inner engineering.
Design concept
The design concept draws deeply from India’s material and cultural heritage to create a space that is both grounding and playful. The design incorporates natural materials such as jute, coir, handwoven cottons, terracotta jaalis, and locally sourced Dutch oak and pine wood, chosen for their tactile warmth, sustainability, and child-friendly qualities. Earth-toned textiles and soft surfaces invite barefoot movement and mindful exploration, while traditional elements such as brass bells, temple-inspired motifs, incense, and spice-inspired hues subtly infuse the space with a sense of calm, rhythm, and cultural identity. The inclusion of water features, natural light, and indoor plants reinforces a seamless connection to nature, echoing the holistic values of yoga. By blending tradition with sensory engagement, the centre fosters a welcoming environment where children can discover yoga through movement, story, sound, and stillness; cultivating a gentle awareness of self and space from an early age.
