Joshua Tree
Project: Homeless Shelter
Designer: Zack Eisenberg
ORENDA is crafted as a sanctuary for young adults facing the complexities of mental health in an increasingly digital world. The immersive experience is meticulously designed to counteract the noise of digital distractions, offering a haven where individuals can truly connect with their inner selves. Through a diverse array of activities, the focus is on nurturing self-esteem and encouraging positive self-discovery. ORENDA isn’t just a retreat; it’s a transformative journey where engagement leads to empowerment, and every activity is a step towards building a stronger, more resilient self.
ORENDA
ORENDA is crafted as a sanctuary for young adults facing the complexities of mental health in an increasingly digital world. The immersive experience is meticulously designed to counteract the noise of digital distractions, offering a haven where individuals can truly connect with their inner selves. Through a diverse array of activities, the focus is on nurturing self-esteem and encouraging positive self-discovery. ORENDA isn’t just a retreat; it’s a transformative journey where engagement leads to empowerment, and every activity is a step towards building a stronger, more resilient self.
The Journey
ORENDA guides young adults on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. Inspired by Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, the program is structured to reflect the stages of transformation, from the initial call to adventure to the ultimate return with newfound wisdom. Each participant embarks on a personal quest, supported by a community that understands the value of every step taken. The serene setting in Joshua Tree provides the perfect backdrop for this transformative journey, allowing individuals to break free from the digital noise and reconnect with their inner selves.
ORENDA
The ultimate aim of ORENDA is to help participants regain a sense of self that may have been overshadowed by the demands of the digital world. The program is designed to facilitate introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth. Through a carefully curated mix of activities, participants are encouraged to explore their identities, confront challenges, and celebrate their achievements. The supportive community and nurturing environment at ORENDA provide the perfect setting for individuals to rediscover their passions, strengths, and true selves. By the end of their stay, participants leave with a stronger, more resilient sense of self, ready to face the world with renewed purpose and confidence.
Regain health
Skills
Skills
Crafting
Engaging in crafting and building furniture at ORENDA plays a significant role in the journey towards self-improvement and self-gratification. These hands-on activities provide participants with the opportunity to create tangible outcomes through their efforts, fostering a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. Crafting and woodworking are not only therapeutic but also enhance problem-solving skills, patience, and attention to detail. As participants see their projects take shape, they experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing their sense of capability and creativity. This process of creation and completion mirrors their personal growth journey, illustrating that with dedication and perseverance, they can achieve meaningful and rewarding results. The skills and confidence gained through crafting and building are invaluable, equipping participants with practical abilities and a resilient mindset that will help them navigate and succeed in various aspects of life.
Equine and Animal Therapy
Working with rescued farm animals at ORENDA offers participants a unique and profound avenue for emotional breakthroughs, allowing them to relate to the animals' past traumas in ways that mirror their own experiences. This form of therapy fosters empathy and connection, as participants recognize the resilience and recovery journey of the animals, drawing parallels to their personal challenges. Interacting with these animals can break down emotional barriers, helping participants to open up and process their feelings in a safe, supportive environment. The non-judgmental presence of the animals encourages trust and vulnerability, facilitating deeper self-exploration and healing.
This therapeutic approach aligns seamlessly with ORENDA's core philosophy of self-discovery and renewal, demonstrating the power of compassionate connections in overcoming adversity and building a more resilient self. The breakthroughs achieved through equine and animal therapy are essential to the holistic healing process, reinforcing the values of empathy, strength, and personal growth central to the ORENDA experience.
Self-Worth
Building self-worth is at the core of the ORENDA experience. Every individual has inherent value, and the program is dedicated to helping participants recognize and nurture their self-worth. Through positive reinforcement and supportive interactions, an environment is created where young adults feel seen, heard, and valued. Activities such as group discussions, personal reflection sessions, and team-building exercises are designed to reinforce self-esteem and foster a strong sense of self-worth. The goal is for each participant to leave ORENDA with renewed confidence in their abilities and a deeper appreciation of their unique strengths.
Primal Therapy
Primal therapy at ORENDA encourages individuals to immerse themselves in the natural, serene environment of Joshua Tree, supporting profound self-reflection and personal growth. By disconnecting from the digital world and embracing the raw beauty of nature, participants can tap into their primal instincts and reconnect with their most authentic selves. The quiet and tranquility of the surroundings provide a perfect setting for introspection, allowing individuals to gain clarity and insight away from the distractions of modern life. This immersion in nature helps to awaken innate survival skills and resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. Primal therapy underscores ORENDA's commitment to holistic healing, illustrating how returning to one's roots and embracing the natural world can lead to significant emotional breakthroughs and a deeper understanding of oneself. By harnessing the therapeutic power of nature, participants are able to build a stronger, more resilient self, aligned with the core values of the ORENDA experience.
INTRODUCE THE ARCHITECTURE
Architectural Theories and Mental Health
The design of ORENDA is informed by architectural theories that emphasize the importance of space in mental health therapy. Concepts such as biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into the built environment, and the use of therapeutic landscapes are central to the approach. The layout of the retreat is intended to foster a sense of safety, comfort, and community, with communal areas for social interaction and private spaces for reflection and solitude. By creating an environment that supports mental and emotional well-being, the therapeutic impact of the ORENDA experience is enhanced.
Holistic Healing Environment
The holistic approach to healing at ORENDA is reflected in every aspect of the design. From the carefully curated activities to the thoughtfully designed spaces, every element is intended to support the overall well-being of participants. The integration of natural materials, calming color palettes, and serene outdoor spaces creates a cohesive environment that promotes relaxation and introspection. By providing a sanctuary where young adults can escape the pressures of the digital world and focus on their personal growth, ORENDA offers a unique and transformative healing experience.
Group home and Home Base
Group home and Home Base
The main house at ORENDA is the central meeting place for everyone on the ranch, fostering community and connection among participants. It includes a kitchen, therapy rooms, lounging areas, a fireplace for reflection, a living room, and an activities room, all designed to support mental health and personal growth. The kitchen and communal dining area enhance social interaction and a sense of belonging, essential for mental well-being, as supported by family therapy theories. Shared meals encourage bonding, communication, and mindfulness, building a resilient community.
Therapy rooms provide private spaces for individual and group sessions, facilitating deep emotional work and personal breakthroughs. The fireplace and lounging areas offer spaces for informal gatherings and reflection, enhancing the therapeutic process. The activities room and living room support creative and recreational activities, promoting self-expression and emotional release. Expressive therapies serve as the foundation for these group activities, which emphasize the value of creativity in mental health care and promote shared experiences and collective healing.
Overall, the main house integrates various therapeutic environments to support ORENDA's mission of resilience, self-discovery, and communal support. By offering diverse spaces for different activities, the main house ensures participants have the resources and social interactions necessary for their healing journey, enhancing therapeutic interventions and creating a nurturing environment for personal growth.
Main House
Wind Tunnel
The integration of wind tunnels into the architectural design of ORENDA buildings harnesses ancient passive cooling techniques, historically used in various cultures to mitigate extreme temperatures. Known as windcatchers or "malqaf" in traditional Persian architecture, these structures channel outside wind into the building, creating a sustainable and efficient cooling mechanism essential for desert environments.
At ORENDA, wind tunnels are strategically designed to collect wind and direct it through the building, where it interacts with a water feature at the base. This interaction causes evaporation, cooling the air before it circulates, significantly reducing indoor temperatures without relying on artificial cooling systems. This passive cooling method, supported by bioclimatic architecture principles, enhances thermal comfort using natural energy flows.
The effectiveness of wind tunnels is evident in historical examples from ancient Persia and Egypt, showcasing their enduring efficacy. By incorporating this technique, ORENDA achieves high thermal efficiency and minimizes its ecological footprint, aligning with sustainable building practices. This blend of ancient wisdom and modern design principles ensures a comfortable, sustainable, and resilient environment, reinforcing ORENDA's core ideals of self-discovery, resilience, and ecological harmony.
Wind Tunnel
Architecturally, this system aligns with the principles of passive design, which emphasizes the use of natural energy flows to maintain thermal comfort. The effectiveness of wind tunnels in passive cooling is supported by theories of bioclimatic architecture, which advocate for designs that are responsive to the local climate. By utilizing wind tunnels, the ORENDA retreat not only achieves a high level of thermal efficiency but also minimizes its ecological footprint, adhering to sustainable building practices.
Historical examples, such as the windcatchers of ancient Persia and Egypt, illustrate the enduring efficacy of this technique. These structures effectively created comfortable living conditions by capitalizing on the natural movement of air, a method that remains relevant and highly effective in modern sustainable architecture. The incorporation of wind tunnels at ORENDA underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative design, providing a cooling solution that is both energy-efficient and in harmony with the natural desert landscape.
By drawing on these architectural theories and historical precedents, the wind tunnels at ORENDA exemplify how traditional methods can be adapted to contemporary needs, ensuring that the retreat provides a comfortable, sustainable, and resilient environment for its inhabitants. This integration of ancient wisdom with modern design principles enhances the overall functionality and sustainability of the ORENDA project, reinforcing its core ideals of self-discovery, resilience, and ecological
Elegant Cross Ventilation & Thermal Mass Design
Discover the fusion of comfort and eco-efficiency in our latest design. Featuring advanced cross ventilation, this architectural marvel enables a seamless wind flow throughout the building, naturally lowering temperatures for a cool, serene environment. Complementing this, our use of thicker walls isn’t just an aesthetic choice – it’s a functional one. These walls serve as a ‘thermal mass,’ absorbing and storing heat. This means a delightfully cooler interior during the scorching summer months and a warm, inviting space when winter chills set in. It’s a year-round comfort solution, balancing natural elements with smart design. Experience the future of sustainable, comfortable living with our intelligent thermal design.
Air Vents
Enhanced Air Circulation and Thermal Efficiency
The design of ORENDA buildings ensures optimal air circulation and ventilation through strategic placement of windows, vents, and wind tunnels. These elements harness natural breezes, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems and promoting healthier indoor air quality. Thick walls with high thermal mass are incorporated to retain cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter, significantly lowering the reliance on electrical heating and cooling systems. This passive temperature regulation not only enhances indoor comfort but also contributes to substantial energy savings.
Furthermore, the design maximizes the energy harvested from solar panels, strategically placed to capture optimal sunlight. The reduced energy demand for heating and cooling allows solar energy to be used more effectively for other essential systems and appliances. This holistic approach to energy management lowers utility costs and supports a more sustainable living environment. By combining advanced air circulation, thermal efficiency, and renewable energy, ORENDA exemplifies a commitment to creating eco-friendly, resilient spaces that support both the well-being of its inhabitants and the health of the planet.
Personal House
Navigating Orenda presents a journey through contrasts—oscillating between warmth and coolness, brightness and shadow—designed to guide participants into states of contemplation and introspection. This contrast, however, presented an initial design challenge: how to create a seamless flow that encourages reflection while addressing the extremes of the desert environment. Rooted in phenomenology, the design engages the senses intentionally, fostering a deeper connection with nature and encouraging mindfulness.
One major challenge was designing the personal cabins as effective sanctuaries that reconnect individuals with the tranquil desert environment, despite the harsh climate. By utilizing biophilic design principles, I aimed to reduce stress and enhance well-being, using nature itself as an active component of healing. Inspired by architects like Tadao Ando and Louis Kahn, I incorporated an interplay of light and shadow to create dynamic, contemplative spaces that evolve throughout the day, adding visual and emotional depth to the interiors. This approach had to balance the challenges of glare, temperature fluctuation, and privacy, while still nurturing an atmosphere of tranquility.
In terms of material selection, there was a design challenge in ensuring that the cabins remained comfortable without over-reliance on mechanical systems. To address this, I employed materials like plaster and concrete, which provide thermal mass to naturally regulate temperature. This strategy ensures that cabins maintain a comfortable climate despite external extremes. Calming tones and framed views were integrated into the cabins to create a sense of harmony and encourage introspection, offering residents a sense of calm and rootedness even within the intensity of the desert.
The design philosophy aimed to create spaces that do not merely function as shelters but actively facilitate therapeutic activities and healing. The cabins were designed to provide both physical comfort and a psychological framework that reinforces resilience, self-discovery, and well-being. This alignment of design philosophy with therapeutic intention speaks to Orenda's commitment to creating an environment conducive to meaningful transformation and emotional growth, ensuring that participants feel both supported and inspired throughout their journey.
Crafting Building
Inspired by George Nakashima's philosophy, the Crafting Building at ORENDA is envisioned as a cornerstone of the ranch, where individuals engage in the art of building furniture and other items, fostering self-gratification in contrast to seeking instant rewards. Nakashima believed in the spiritual connection between the maker and the material, and this belief has shaped the design and purpose of this space. Here, participants are invited to work with natural materials, allowing them to explore the inherent beauty of each piece and create items that carry personal meaning and worth.
This hands-on experience is integral to the therapeutic journey at ORENDA, emphasizing patience, perseverance, and the joy of creating something tangible. By engaging in the crafting process, participants not only develop valuable skills and enhance their problem-solving abilities but also gain a deep sense of accomplishment. The act of building something from scratch nurtures self-esteem and reinforces the belief that they can achieve meaningful and rewarding outcomes through their efforts—reflecting Nakashima's idea that working with natural materials leads to inner peace and fulfillment.
In this space, individuals are free to express their creativity, exploring various materials and techniques to bring their ideas to life, much like Nakashima's approach to respecting the unique qualities of each piece of wood. The environment is designed to be both inspiring and supportive, encouraging participants to experiment and take creative risks. The Crafting Building not only serves as a workshop but also as a sanctuary where participants can connect with their inner selves and with each other, sharing their creations and experiences. This collaborative atmosphere fosters a sense of community and mutual support, reinforcing the core values of ORENDA. By focusing on the process of creation, participants cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their capabilities, contributing to their overall personal growth and resilience. This nurturing of self-worth, achieved through crafting and creating, directly draws from Nakashima’s belief in the transformative power of making something meaningful by hand.
Working and Crating Building
Equine and Animal Therapy
The barn at ORENDA is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary for rescued animals, providing a transformative setting for individuals to engage in equine and animal therapy. Inspired by Linda Kohanov's philosophy of "emotional agility" and the profound connection between human and animal, this form of therapy serves as a medium for profound emotional breakthroughs. Participants have the opportunity to connect with the animals' past traumas, which mirror their own experiences, thus fostering a shared sense of vulnerability and resilience. This mirroring allows participants to gain insight into their own healing journey as they witness the recovery and strength of the animals, forging deep, empathetic connections.
This unique interaction helps dismantle emotional barriers and creates a supportive environment where participants feel safe to process and express their emotions. Animals, being inherently non-judgmental, facilitate an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance, encouraging trust and the courage to be vulnerable. This aligns with ORENDA's core philosophy of self-discovery and renewal, underscoring the power of compassionate connections to overcome adversity.
The structured yet fluid design of the barn complements Kohanov’s emphasis on non-verbal communication and relationship-building, creating a space where individuals can openly engage with themselves and others, guided by the animals. The breakthroughs achieved through these interactions are not only vital to emotional healing but also reinforce the core values of empathy, personal growth, and resilience that are central to the ORENDA experience. This barn becomes more than a shelter; it is an active and immersive space that embodies the principles of human-animal connection, creating a journey of transformation and inner healing.
Orenda Therapy Barn
The barn at ORENDA is home to therapy animals, serving as a powerful environment for individuals to engage in equine and animal therapy. Rooted in Linda Kohanov's philosophies of "emotional mirroring" and the therapeutic power of non-verbal communication, this form of therapy allows participants to connect deeply with animals who have experienced their own past traumas. By witnessing the animals' resilience and recovery, participants find parallels in their own challenges, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.
Interacting with these animals creates a bridge between the participants' emotions and their healing process. The safe and non-judgmental presence of the animals allows individuals to break down emotional barriers, encouraging trust and vulnerability. This aligns with ORENDA's core principles of self-discovery and renewal, supporting the belief that healing often comes through compassionate relationships. The barn is purposefully designed to reflect these values, creating an environment where participants are encouraged to open up, process their feelings, and find strength in shared resilience.
This therapeutic journey with animals is vital to the holistic healing process, providing moments of emotional breakthrough that resonate beyond the barn. It reinforces essential values of empathy, personal growth, and strength, ensuring that participants leave with a deeper connection to themselves and a renewed perspective on overcoming their struggles. The barn at ORENDA, therefore, becomes not just a space for therapy but a transformative setting where human and animal experiences intersect to promote healing and resilience.
