‘Space’ is a public health and well-being retreat nestled in the restorative natural setting of Balgay Park, Dundee, underneath the existing Mills Observatory. Inspired by Greek rural healing temples, it is designed to give community access to a place to heal and refocus in life by engaging in activities for personal growth. Sociological research shows an increase in loneliness and poor health due to the perpetual treadmill of everyday life. There is an increasing modern-day desire to search for self-actualisation with the help of spirituality. These themes have influenced and woven a space for introspective work and building meaningful connections with others. 

The retreat is divided into 6 sections, each designed to encourage positive behaviours and allow for different types of healing. The sections are inspired by the 6 astrological polarities that serve as a way of finding balance out of 12 zodiacal archetypes, described to ‘find order out of chaos’. This parallels with an everyday need to find harmonious balance in life’s different challenges. 

The facilities include: a fitness suite and health food bar, library and learning space, outdoor amphitheatre and creative hub, spa and sanctuary space, yoga and meditation rooms, and tree top viewpoint overlooking the surrounding woodland and the River Tay. The setting provides space away from the city centre to aid focus on our inner needs and self-growth journeys. This hidden architecture is easily accessible to the surrounding communities and may well prove to be a serendipitous find for many and become their hilltop haven.