Peeling Back the Layers of Mindfulness in Design and Architecture

Exploring the Role of Mindfulness in Conscious Design

Each layer of the onion symbolizes different aspects of mindfulness, from simple awareness to deeper emotional insights and conscious reactions, with elements of design integrated into the layers.

Imagine a concept akin to the layers of an onion — a metaphorical “mindfulness onion.” This layered approach to mindfulness can deeply impact our awareness in both the moment and our broader experiences. Let’s delve into how this applies to design and architecture.

Understanding Mindfulness

Mindfulness, or “ذهن آگاهی” in Persian, is a state of complete and focused awareness on the present moment. It involves actively and non-judgmentally observing our internal experiences — perceptions, thoughts, emotions — and external stimuli. This focused state is detailed extensively in resources like Wikipedia, providing a foundational understanding for further exploration.

The Onion Metaphor

Why an onion? Imagine peeling back the layers of an onion, each layer representing a deeper level of mindfulness. As you peel, you might even shed a tear or two — a metaphor for the emotional challenges encountered as you delve deeper into self-awareness.

Layer 1: Simple Awareness

The outermost layer of mindfulness involves simple, non-judgmental awareness of our feelings…