HEIWA / FALL 2020
Meditation is scientifically proven to be beneficial to one’s mental health. However, many people don’t find this practice to be significant enough to be implemented into their lifestyle, despite acknowledging the benefits. How might I be able to change that?
Introducing HEIWA. HEIWA is a wall-mounted apparatus that is designed with the intent to encourage users to practice meditation by providing a shrine-like space to store their essential meditation tools and items.
HEIWA is the Japanese word for peace or harmony. The form is inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals, most notably Ensō. In Zen Buddhism, Ensō is a representation of absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the void.
HEIWA creates an organized, easily accessible, and balanced environment for one’s meditation needs. Let’s take a look at how this is done.
Dedicated Slots to Place Meditation Tools
Within HEIWA, there are dedicated slots where one can perfectly place the meditation tool containers right where they need to be at all times
Free Space to Place Personal Items
Free space is provided and meant for users to place their own dedicated items to help them personalize their meditation environment
Large Opening for Yoga Mat
The open, ring-style shelves are meant to proudly display the user’s yoga mat as well as provide an easy and accessible storage option.
But what are the specific meditation tools that HEIWA provides?
Concrete incense mount with a translucent compartment holding incense sticks and a lighter to create a pleasant aroma
Timer with an illuminated interface that plays a single note chime to gently release the user from their meditation session
A sustainable yoga mat made from jute fibers to root the user back to earth
In order to truly encourage the user to partake in meditation, HEIWA displays daily motivational quotes from historic, peace-promoting individuals. This illuminated display is seamlessly integrated into the wood, similar to the MUI Smart Home Display depicted above. The purpose behind this was to integrate technology and nature in a calm and harmonious manner.
By utilizing the tools HEIWA provides, the user is given access to a simple yet immersive meditation environment in their own living space.
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