Vitra has unveiled the Doshi Retreat, an open-air sanctuary designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Balkrishna Doshi in collaboration with his granddaughter Khushnu Panthaki Hoof and grandson-in-law Sönke Hoof. Situated within the world-renowned Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, the retreat marks Doshi’s final architectural work, completed before his passing in 2023. Over the years, the campus has evolved into a haven for design and architecture enthusiasts, offering not just iconic buildings but also a serene, park-like environment.
The retreat was inspired by Vitra chairman Rolf Fehlbaum’s vision for a space that evokes spiritual reflection. Influenced by a visit to the Modhera Sun Temple in India, Fehlbaum’s idea resonated deeply with Doshi, whose architecture often bridged the gap between modernity and mysticism.
Blending Nature, Sound, and Form
Khushnu Panthaki Hoof shared, “This architecture was born from a dream Doshi had of two interweaving cobras. From this subconscious vision emerged a written narrative, followed by a sketched concept composed of notes and evocations. It then evolved into an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery.”
Set within the natural landscape, the retreat features an undulating pathway enclosed by sweeping XCarb® steel walls, a low-carbon material produced entirely with renewable energy. The structure integrates an ambient sound system that resonates through the walls and the visitors themselves, guiding them toward the “contemplation chamber.” The experience, Khushnu explained, “erases the boundary between self and structure.”
A Space for Reflection
The pathway culminates in a rounded alcove partially open to the sky, featuring a rainwater basin that surrounds the base of the chamber. Stone benches line the walls beside a central gong, while a hand-hammered brass mandala, crafted in India, crowns the ceiling. As light reflects off the brass surface, the space fills with warmth and tranquility, creating a setting for introspection and calm.
Through the Doshi Retreat, Vitra extends the legacy of an architect whose work always sought harmony between the physical and the spiritual.