Balkrishna Doshi's Final Masterpiece: The Doshi Retreat Opens at Vitra Campus
Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein has welcomed a new architectural marvel, the Doshi Retreat, designed by renowned architect Balkrishna Doshi. This is his final realised design and first built work outside India, a collaboration with his granddaughter Khushnu Panthaki Hoof and her husband Sönke Hoof. The retreat was inspired by a dream of interweaving cobras and reflects the Indian spiritual philosophy of Kundalini.
The retreat's journey begins at the wooded edge of the Vitra Campus, intended as a sanctuary for solitude. It is crafted from low-carbon XCarb steel, donated by ArcelorMittal. The spatial logic provokes a sense of inward focus, guided by Doshi's dream of two interweaving cobras. An embedded audio system emits low, meditative tones that interact with the visitor's movement, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
The journey culminates in an arched passage leading to a circular contemplation chamber. Here, a central gong and stone benches await, inviting reflection and introspection. The retreat was initiated by Vitra's chairman emeritus Rolf Fehlbaum after a shared visit to the Modhera Sun Temple in India, blending spiritual principles, soundscapes, and material innovation.
The Doshi Retreat stands as a testament to Balkrishna Doshi's legacy, his final realised design and first built work outside India. Collaboratively realised with his granddaughter and her husband, this contemplative space offers visitors a unique experience of spiritual reflection and architectural innovation.
