Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2025
Awakening Immersive Experience
by Nathalia Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Nathália Vilela
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 21,129
- Verification code EC07E0245E · Verify this award
About Awakening Immersive Experience
The project blends architecture and nature in the Amazon, emphasizing sustainability and ecological harmony. Bamboo and low-impact methods are used to integrate the building into the landscape, reducing environmental harm. Spaces engage the senses and reflect local biodiversity. Biomimicry-inspired design fosters a profound connection between humans and nature, prioritizing ecological balance while promoting a sustainable future. It offers a unique experience that enhances the well-being of both inhabitants and the environment.
Nathália Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis's Awakening Immersive Experience represents a compelling contribution to contemporary ecological architecture, demonstrating the designer's sophisticated engagement with biophilic principles and the phenomenology of place, the pavilion structure emerging from its aquatic setting with the organic inevitability of botanical growth, its sweeping timber ribs suggesting both the structural logic of plant stems and the protective gesture of cupped hands or unfurling petals, this work positions itself within a lineage of contemporary architecture that seeks meaningful dialogue between built form and natural environment, drawing upon traditions of vernacular water-dwelling structures while employing contemporary parametric design sensibilities and engineered timber technologies, the technical accomplishment reveals itself in the precise curvature of each structural member, the elegant resolution where multiple ribs converge at the open crown, and the seamless integration of the cylindrical base volume with its radiating structural frame, chromatic choices reinforce the work's ecological ethos, with warm timber tones establishing material honesty while allowing the structure to resonate with the golden and amber hues of the surrounding vegetation, the compositional arrangement demonstrates sophisticated understanding of approach and arrival, the curving boardwalk creating a processional journey that builds anticipation while spherical lanterns mark the path like luminous guides, one observes thoughtful integration of sustainable technologies including photovoltaic panels and wind generation visible on adjacent structures, suggesting a holistic environmental consciousness extending beyond formal gesture to operational sustainability, the work invites contemplation on the possibilities for architecture that honors rather than dominates its ecological context, the open latticed crown permitting sky and light to permeate the interior while the reflective water surface doubles and extends the structure visually, viewers might consider how the pavilion serves as both sanctuary and threshold, a place of gathering that nonetheless maintains permeability and connection with its aquatic surroundings.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This design provides an immersive experience in the Amazon, blending architecture, nature, and sensory perception. It awakens the senses with the sounds of water and the forest, fostering a deep connection with the ecosystem. The space offers a unique sensory experience, integrating touch, smell, and hearing for full immersion. The proposal stands out by emphasizing sustainability, biomimicry, and sensory engagement, making the landscape the focal point.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The structure features a circular base with a diameter of 31,500 mm, ensuring stability and seamless integration with the natural environment. The main body has a diameter of 17,000 mm, creating a balanced and immersive space. With a total height of 14,000 mm, the design promotes natural ventilation and thermal comfort. Built with sustainable materials, the project employs low-impact assembly techniques, respecting the landscape and enhancing its sensory connection with the forest.
- Tags
- Amazon, sensory experience, sustainability, organic architecture, nature, bamboo, immersion, environmental design, forest, biomimicry
- Production Technology
- The project was developed with a biomimetic approach, integrating into the Amazon ecosystem through sustainable materials and low-impact construction techniques. Bamboo, chosen for its strength and flexibility, forms the main structure, while passive ventilation and natural lighting ensure thermal comfort and energy efficiency. The sensory immersion is enhanced by natural elements, such as the sounds of the forest and interaction with local textures and aromas.
- Design Challenge
- Although it is a fictional and unexecuted project, the biggest creative challenge was transforming the idea into a viable proposal that would integrate harmoniously with nature, respecting the Amazon forest and its cycles. The design conception involved overcoming limitations of local materials, such as bamboo, and developing solutions to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, creating an immersive environment, combined with research on sustainable technologies and production possibilities in a remote area, presented a significant obstacle in bringing this vision to life.
- Project Duration
- The project concept was developed between December 2024 and February 2025. The conceptual proposal is for Iquitos, an Amazonian region in Peru.
- Operation Flow
- The experience begins on the first floor, where the deeper, more immersive sound is created by a closed space receiving natural light from the ceiling. The space is adorned with plants and water flowing like a waterfall, connecting visitors to the sounds and sensations of a vibrant environment. The forest, alive and constantly in motion, is ever-present. On the second floor, the experience expands, offering a wide view of the river, which fades into the horizon, reinforcing the connection with nature and its grandeur.
- Research
- The research focused on designing an immersive sensory experience in the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing sustainability and integration with nature. The goal was to create a proposal that respected natural cycles, used local materials, such as bamboo, and promoted environmental awareness. The methodology involved bibliographic research, environmental impact studies, and analysis of social contexts, aiming to foster a deeper connection with the ecosystem and create lasting change.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for this project came from the search for a deeper connection with nature and the sensory experience it provides. In a world moving towards an increasingly technological future, it is crucial not to lose our bond with nature, especially with the Amazon, the heart of the world. The project integrates architecture with the ecosystem, using sustainable materials like bamboo, to minimize environmental impact and promote both sensory immersion and landscape preservation.
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Design Interview about Awakening Immersive Experience
The “Awakening Immersive Experience” was born from a desire to create a deep connection between architecture, nature, and human perception. The inspiration came from the Amazon rainforest — not just as a setting, but as a living entity that symbolizes balance, ancestry, and resilience. The project proposes a sensory immersion within the forest, where every architectural element is designed to provoke awareness, contemplation, and presence. The core principle behind the design is respect: for nature, for the body, and for time. It is an architecture that steps back to let the environment speak louder.
My main focus was to create a deeply sensory experience, where the visitor could disconnect from the urban mindset and reconnect with the essential — the sounds of nature, the rhythm of their own body, and a slower perception of time. I wanted to design a space for pause, silence, and introspection, where architecture does not impose itself but instead dissolves into the surroundings. More than just a physical space, the goal was to create a transformative experience — a kind of inner "awakening" guided by nature and architecture.
The “Awakening Immersive Experience” was conceived as a conceptual project, designed to provoke reflection on the relationship between humans and nature. It was not initially intended for construction, but rather as a symbolic and sensory architectural narrative. My plan is to use it as a tool for awareness — through exhibitions, publications, or digital experiences — to inspire conversations about sustainability, ancestry, and reconnection with what truly matters. I believe in the power of concept as a form of impact.
As a conceptual project, the process was both intense and thoughtful. I spent around three months working on research, narrative development, spatial definition, and graphic representation. I devoted time to symbolic immersion, the study of natural materials, and the balance between form and emotion. It was not a rushed design — it required maturation, silence, and deep listening. Every decision was made to evoke feeling and provoke reflection, making the process more emotional than technical.
The “Awakening” project was born from personal inspiration, not an external commission. I have always been deeply interested in exploring the relationship between humans and nature, and the idea of an immersive sensory experience emerged as a way to reflect on how architecture can foster this connection. The inspiration came from the Amazon and the desire to create a space that was more than just a physical environment — a space that was a transformative experience. I believe the best projects come from curiosity and the need to explore something beyond the expected, and "Awakening" is the realization of that pursuit.
The “Awakening” project is a concept, and as such, it has not been physically produced yet. I don’t have immediate plans to produce the project myself, but I see the concept being shared in exhibitions and other platforms that can convey the immersive sensory experience. The goal is to share the proposal with the world, whether through temporary installations, videos, or digital experiences, to provoke reflection and foster discussions about the impact of architecture on the environment and our relationship with it. If production partnerships arise, I would be open to exploring those possibilities.
My motivation for creating “Awakening” came from my own search for reconnection with nature. Every time I’m at the beach, for example, I feel recharged, and that’s something I can’t find anywhere else — just the wind and the sound of the sea are enough to renew me. The desire to convey this sensory experience and simplicity led me to design a project that would be an immersion, a pause from the fast-paced rhythm of daily life. I wanted to create a space that was more than just physical, one that would provoke an emotional awakening, reflecting our need to slow down and live in deeper connection with the environment around us.
For the “Awakening” project, the main influence was Frank Lloyd Wright. His architecture, which seeks to integrate and contemplate nature, was essential for the concept of the project. He believed that architecture should not only coexist with nature but be made to contemplate it, creating spaces that allow for a deep connection with the surrounding environment. In “Awakening,” this philosophy is expressed by creating a space where nature takes center stage — the architecture serves as a means for the user to immerse themselves and reflect on the natural environment, without interfering or competing with it.
The target audience for the “Awakening” project consists of people from cities that never sleep, with fast-paced, hectic routines, who seek a moment to reconnect with the beginning of it all. These are individuals who yearn for a refuge of introspection, where they can slow down, reflect, and remember the essence of life, far from the daily hustle. This project is aimed at those who wish to experience a sense of purity and a simple connection with the natural environment, away from the pressures of the modern world.
What sets “Awakening” apart is its concept of total sensory immersion, where the architecture does not impose itself on the environment, but instead dissolves into it. Unlike projects that focus on creating artificial or purely aesthetic spaces, “Awakening” aims for a deeper experience, where every element — light, materials, shapes — is designed to evoke a genuine emotional response. Furthermore, the emphasis on the use of natural materials and the reconnection with nature in a world that is increasingly technological and urban makes the project unique. It is not just a space, but an invitation to reflection and inner awakening.
The name “Awakening” came about as a direct representation of what the project aims to offer: a sensory and emotional awakening. It symbolizes the journey of reconnecting with nature and with oneself, something often lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. The name also carries an idea of renewal and transformation — of stepping out of routine and opening one’s eyes to a new understanding of the environment, life, and oneself. It’s an invitation to reflection and introspection, something that goes beyond the physical experience of space.
To develop the “Awakening” project, I primarily used SketchUp for modeling and V-Ray for 3D rendering, which allowed me to visualize and refine the project’s atmospheres. AutoCAD was used for technical drawings, and Photoshop for image editing and presentations. In addition to these digital tools, I conducted thorough research on natural materials, that could reflect the essence of the project and its connection to nature. The research was essential to ensure the concept was translated faithfully and sensorially.
The most unique aspect of the “Awakening” project is how the architecture dissolves into the natural environment. Instead of competing with nature, the design subtly integrates, creating a profound sensory experience. Every element was crafted to evoke an emotional response, whether through the natural light that flows into the space, the use of organic materials, or the way the environment reflects the dynamic between human presence and its surroundings. The concept of creating a space for introspection, where architecture serves as a means for the user to connect with nature, is what makes the project truly unique.
The “Awakening” project was developed entirely independently, without collaboration with other professionals. The design, concept, and all the details were thought out and executed solely by me, without technical or specialized support from third parties. The choice of materials and the way the architecture interacts with the natural environment were approached intuitively and personally, without the involvement of consultants or engineers.
Technology played a crucial role in the development of the “Awakening” project. It was essential for visualizing the concept, particularly through the use of 3D modeling and realistic renderings, which allowed me to refine the project's aesthetics and atmosphere. Tools like SketchUp, V-Ray, and AutoCAD were key to communicating the proposed sensory experience, as well as ensuring that the technical details aligned with the original vision. Technology was also used in the research of sustainable materials and in analyzing how natural elements could be efficiently integrated into the design. While the concept is fundamentally sensory and conceptual, technology helped bring it to life in a more tangible way.
Although the “Awakening” project is primarily conceptual and sensory, it was influenced by research that involved both qualitative and quantitative data about how people interact with natural environments and immersive spaces. I conducted an analysis of human behavior in natural spaces, observing how light, materials, and proximity to nature affect well-being and emotional perception. Additionally, I studied examples of sustainable projects that use natural materials and construction techniques that promote harmony with the environment. The research was essential to ensure that the project was not only aesthetically impactful but also effective and aligned with the human need for connection with nature.
The biggest challenge of the project was precisely translating a sensory concept into a design that could be visualized and understood. As it is a conceptual and immersive project, balancing the subjectivity of the sensory experience with the need for technical precision and clear communication of the proposal was difficult. Another challenge was choosing materials that were sustainable and environmentally responsible, without compromising beauty and connection to nature. The research and experimentation of how different materials and textures interact with each other and with light were also crucial and challenging parts of the process. Finally, designing a space that was both introspective and functional required constant refinement and adjustments.
I decided to submit the “Awakening” project to an international design competition to share the proposal and the impact it can have on the world. I believe international competitions are an excellent opportunity to put innovative projects to the test, gain recognition, and contribute to a global conversation about sustainable and sensory design. Additionally, this exposure helps connect my work with a broader audience, composed of professionals and experts who may be inspired by this concept. Participating in such a prestigious competition also strengthens the project's credibility and allows me to be part of a movement of innovation in design.
During the development of the “Awakening” project, I learned to make space for intuition in the creative process, allowing the concept to evolve more organically and fluidly. I improved my ability to work with abstraction, as the project wasn’t physical, but an emotional and sensory experience. This made me understand the importance of translating feelings into form and space in a more sensitive and less technical way. I also deepened my research on sustainability, always aiming to align the concept with the choice of materials that respect the environment while creating a genuine connection with nature.
I would like to emphasize that the “Awakening” project is not just an architectural proposal, but a reflection on the role of architecture in times of climate change and the intensification of urban life. It aims to demonstrate how architecture can be an instrument of awareness and slowing down. I believe design should not only meet practical needs but also provoke an emotional impact, encouraging a new way of experiencing space and time. This project is an attempt to use architecture as a form of consciousness and personal transformation.