A space of healing and rejuvenation

Urban Retreat is an intimate garden designed to foster a connection with people and nature in a world transformed by COVID-19, a competition entry for the Seoul International Garden Show 2020, in collaboration with Brett D.H. Lee. Our goal was to create moments of retreat and reflection; foster community while social distancing; and encourage changes and adaptations over time. The main design feature is a meandering pathway that connects four key spaces of rest and relaxation: a Reading Nook with a curved bench, a Reflection Space with natural rocks for seating, a Tea Pavilion with simple seating, and a Nap Hill, which is raised in an arc form.