Trance: an architecture for altered states: reintroducing ritual and altered states of consciousness to the human experience in order to promote a holistic wellbeing

Abstract

The lenses through which we see the world defines us, but we have the ability to step outside ourselves, change the lens, and see the world from a new perspective. This design dissertation investigates a proposal for a magic mushroom retreat in the Drakensberg, a substance that can bring to light the hidden aspects of ourselves, and as such enable a (w)holistic approach to being in the world. It affords us a glimpse of a world beyond our ordinary reality and allows us to bring back insights to our reality. The aim of this proposal is to provide a physical framework for the reintroduction of ritual and altered states of consciousness to the human experience. It sets the stage for a recalibration of the self to nature and the soul. A threshold between worlds. The architecture explores the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical through symbolism and embodied experience. Both emplaced and out of this world, the building defines itself as a part of the landscape and transcends it. It is an exercise in intuitive architecture, designing for future ruin and the building as a narrative. The research conducted throughout this thesis sets out to investigate the role of altered states of consciousness, myth, ritual and trance in our experience of the metaphysical. My interest in this topic is the natural result of a dedication to exploring the realms of consciousness and to the upliftment of the human soul. This dissertation follows the narrative of a journey. The end destination is not known, but we have faith in the process. Let us broaden the lens and open our eyes to a different way of being.