Snapshot: The Vitra Campus’s Newest Addition is a Winding Subterranean Path by Balkrishna Doshi
Weil am Rhein, Germany

The newest addition to the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, the Doshi Retreat, is the only project by the late Pritzker Prize–winning architect Balkrishna Doshi to be built outside India. The structure, designed by Doshi in collaboration with Khushnu Panthaki Hoof and Sönke Hoof of Studio Sangath, was completed in August 2025 and opened in October. Drawing upon the spiritual philosophy of Kundalini, a Sanskrit term meaning coiled, the winding subterranean path, lined in steel that has formed a patina, was inspired by a dream Doshi had of two intertwining cobras. Set in recesses in the ground, an audio system plays a soft sequence of flute and gong music. The path leads to a contemplation chamber with two rounded benches and a gong at its center.
Looking for quick answers on architecture and design topics?
Try Ask RECORD, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask RECORD →
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!





