Developing Design Recommendations for Meditation Centres Through a Mixed-Method Study

Effective meditation centre design should prioritize indoor environmental qualities (IEQs) in a specific hierarchy: acoustic environment first, followed by indoor air quality and thermal environment, then biophilic elements, and finally lighting environment. Materials and colour also influence the experience. A mixed-method exploratory sequential design—combining a scoping case study review, expert interviews, and user surveys—identified recurring design practices. The research concludes that integrating spatial, contextual, and community-driven practices while minimizing sensory distractions promotes introspection. Findings were consolidated into design recommendations addressing contextual, spatial, sensory, experiential, inclusive, and sustainable strategies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Meditation is a practice used to cultivate focused attention, emotional stability, and self-awareness. Evidence of its psychological, physiological, and social benefits warrants greater accessibility and further research. This study evaluates meditation centre design by identifying recurring design practices, highlighting the importance of indoor environmental qualities (IEQs), and developing design recommendations for future use. A mixed-method, exploratory sequential design using a scoping case study review, expert interviews, and user surveys provides a holistic understanding of design practices, rationale behind decision-making, and user feedback. Quantitative and qualitative patterns were found across case studies, thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts, and user surveys were statistically analysed. The research concludes that effective meditation centre design integrates spatial, contextual, and community-driven practices while prioritising key IEQs to minimise sensory distractions and promote introspection. A hierarchy of IEQ importance was identified—(1) acoustic environment, (2) indoor air quality and thermal environment, (3) biophilic elements, and (4) lighting environment—alongside the influence of materials and colour. These findings were consolidated into comprehensive design recommendations addressing contextual, spatial, sensory, experiential, inclusive, and sustainable strategies. This study provides foundational recommendations and highlights future research opportunities, including direct engagement with meditation centres, longitudinal investigations, and psychophysiological studies.