The Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Retreat Center in Cooperstown New York is an intensive Tibetan Buddhist retreat and meditation center. The proposal calls for a series of retreat cabins for people on both short and long term retreats, and as housing for visiting monks and scholars. Additionally there is a need for a new meditation hall for daily group meditations and classes.
The retreat cabins are small and simple, without feeling spartan. The entrance off a small deck reveals the sleeping quarters nestled under the lofted personal meditation space. The meditation space on the second floor is enhanced by a private deck for outdoor meditation as the weather allows.
The meditation hall is used for group meditation, lessons from visitng monks, and other group activities. A simple interior lit by large skylights with beams crossing overhead to diffuse the light allows the focus of the space to be on the shrine. The shrine holds the only ornamentation, with traditional Tibetan Buddhist statues, tapestries, and accessories are displayed.
