Page 7 - Landscape SA 99

PROJECT

View of the gardens, with the Magaliesberg in the distance

Soft landscaping and planting wellbeing. The power of this trend is the about to witness a huge change in the way
move from ostentatious fads and always- that people find serenity and inner peace.
Robinson made use of plants to create on consumerism to architecture that It is by having places such as Soul Oasis as
a food source for many different birds, touches our souls. These “thin places” are a nearby destination, that we will be able
butterflies and insects. These were also an entirely new way to nurture spirituality to answer the needs of such people.
used to create a wide range of colour and connect with our deeper selves.
combinations, scent and textures to We will be approaching corporates to
enhance the experience. He says his This is essentially exactly what has been send their staff on SOULIDAY™ retreats,
designs are always ‘very strong”, creating a done at Soul Oasis. based on a body-mind-soul experience,
positive shape out of the lawn and other in order to raise the consciousness of the
open areas in order to define them in a Robinson believes that each person group. Our goal is to show individuals that
specific yet simple way. As these areas are visiting Soul Oasis will get what they need they are responsible for the energy they
what the visitor experiences, garden beds out of their visit … and this may be to have bring to a space. Once we are able to raise
are considered to be walls, separating the a party, fall down drunk, and stagger home. a group’s “vibration”, this will continue as
different areas. Specific plants were chosen However, those who are searching for, and they go back to their homes or offices;
in different areas to create a different do find their soul here, will understand by explaining the techniques to do this,
feeling, depending on where the visitor is. the depth of the design. “Some of my and once the benefit of this lifestyle is
greatest moments over the past two years shown, the level of consciousness will
In terms of hard landscaping, most of this have been to watch people’s faces as they automatically rise. LSA
is still to be installed and constructed. uncover the different areas,” he says.
It will comprise pathways, a dam in the
centre of the property and buildings as “Considering that meditation is currently Text and photos supplied by
the wellness centre, conference centre and where yoga was 18 years ago, we are Donovan Robinson
overnight rooms.

Future trends A ‘chill zone’ with seating area created by a ‘tic-tac-toe’ board. Visitors sit on the chairs
that form the game pieces
The Global Wellness Summit 2021 predicts
several trends going into the new year, as
per https://www.globalwellnesssummit.
com/trends-2021/. The most exciting one
this year is the description of the route that
architecture will start taking:
Spiritual and Numinous Moments
in Architecture: The move from
ostentatious fads to architecture that
touches our souls, by Veronica Schreibeis
Smith, Founding Principal, Vera Iconica
Architecture and Developments.
In recent years, cross-disciplinary studies
demonstrated the connection between the
built environment and our physical health
and wellbeing. In 2021, look for spaces
designed to make sacred and numinous
moments part of our consciousness and

Landscape SA • Issue 99 2021 5