MONO-NO-AWARE

by Vernel Verzo

Mono-No-Aware is the Japanese phrase for “the pathos of things”, the hypersensitivity to all things. The proposal draws on how beauty is subjectively perceived and found in fleeting moments and memories. Design-wise it deploys artificial light to encourage a positive atmosphere and provide users with a space of relaxation and comfort. Situated in St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden, the project preserves the legacy of the site’s past, the strong cultural background from the war and religious connotation that bring memories for the elderly and allow the younger generation to learn about the past. It creates a space both familiar and new; a known site presented in a whole new light, both physically and metaphorically speaking.