Sion
Studio Guilherme Garcia

SHORTLIST UNBUILT & CONCEPTS | Interior Design

Project Description

Before becoming a project, Sion was already a place of silence, spirituality, and retreat. The site results from the union of two symbolic plots, one of which belonged for decades to the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, founded by Saint Pauline in 1890. Designed to accommodate different ways of living, the project creates flexible and quiet spaces for both permanent residents and seasonal stays. Biophilia plays a central role, incorporating nature, light, and materiality as tools for well-being and regeneration. Rocky textures evoke the atmosphere of a cave sculpted in stone, while natural materials, neutral tones, and precise volumes establish a timeless and coherent architectural language. Inspired by the landscapes of Jerusalem and the sacred as a silent presence, the project expresses spirituality through light, emptiness, and atmosphere rather than literal symbolism.

Project Concept

Inspired by the history behind the name Sion, the landscapes of Jerusalem, and the idea of the sacred as a silent presence, the project was conceived as an interior architecture proposal that encourages pause, introspection, and permanence. The concept seeks to organize sensations, define atmospheres, and translate values into spatial experience through a contemporary and restrained architectural language. Rather than relying on literal symbolism, spirituality is expressed subtly through light, emptiness, proportion, and materiality. The project establishes a balance between contemplation and everyday living, creating spaces that evoke serenity and emotional connection while maintaining a strong contemporary identity. Every architectural decision was guided by the intention to create meaningful environments where silence, texture, and natural light become essential elements of the experience.