The Inner Studio - Riverside Architectural Press

Caneletto and Thomas Mann. The diverse ways in which public
space give cities their abiding character and identity remains a
unique testament to human creativity.
EXERCISE
THE INNER STUDIO
The following visualization exercises are intended to help you access a
more “shadowful design,” the architecture for an imperfect world, a
world where there is suffering. These exercises are intended for reflection
and to encourage you to draw from your own experience of
imperfection.
When I say imagine, I am asking you to look inward and allow an
image as symbol to come to consciousness that you can transcribe into
a drawing. Begin this exercise by relaxing and after each image return to
your natural relaxed state and take a few breaths to refresh yourself.
Remember to check in with your body. There is no need to rush.
Imagine a real dream house, a house for dreaming.
Imagine a public place where those who feel defeated can rest.
Imagine a house where the emotionally wounded feel comforted.
Imagine an imperfect building, one that expresses the difficulty of
living.
Imagine a door to your own shadow.
Imagine a house where everyone is encouraged to slow down.
Imagine a room that encourages listening.
Imagine a landscape that welcomes those who feel anxious.
Imagine a facade that can’t hold things together.
Imagine a public space for giving thanks.
Imagine the house where your shadow lives.
Imagine a house where peace talks might be held.
Imagine an urban place for those who find the loss of nature
intolerable.
Imagine a door that will never open.
Imagine a place in the city that celebrates the discovery of the unconscious.
Where in your city does such a place belong?
Imagine a public space where those who are separated come together.
Imagine a public garden that protests violence.
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