Location: Karachi, Sindh
Size: 550 SF
Year of Completion: 2023
Design Team: Zohaib Zuby, Fawwaz Kamran, Omer Shehzad
Photography: Fawwaz Kamran and Noor ul Ain
Description: Dar-e-Bekhudi (“Doorway to Selflessness”) is Karachi’s pioneering Meditation Center, thoughtfully designed in the basement of the Meditation Coach’s home. The design narrative began with the intervention to salvage a thirty-foot Eucalyptus tree that was being cut down on a neighboring plot. The tree, imbued with symbolic significance, was repurposed in various ways throughout the center: its trunk was crafted into benches and stools, the branches became shelves, and the thinner offshoots were transformed into candle stands. Additionally, discs of the trunk were used to create sacred calligraphic artworks that adorn the walls, transforming the space into a gallery that curates a sensory experience. The design draws inspiration from sacred symbols across Japanese, Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic cultures, integrating these elements to evoke a profound spiritual ambiance. A small water fountain and scented candles enhance the sensory experience, creating a deeply moving atmosphere for visitors. The space is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in fostering mindfulness and selflessness.
