ZAI: a library garden in Bodrum, Turkey

Zai, a beautiful setting in the historical town of Bodrum, Turkey (formerly Helicarnassus) is a perfect oasis for relaxing, perusing a new book, or focusing effectively on a project. The library includes elements recommended by the science of Maharishi Vastu architecture, though not necessarily intentionally. The main building is oriented on the grid of cardinal directions (North, South, East, West),  has a north entrance, and includes many large windows bringing natural light into the space. It is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, full of nooks with art pieces and tables for private study or group socializing.

The subtle yet lively silence of the environment is enhanced by soft classical music, which provides a serene feeling without being distracting. The library features a range of rooms and settings, from large tables for computer work to comfortable couches and armchairs for more self-reflection. There are many books on the shelves which can be read at leisure in the library and if one wishes to continue there is also the option to buy them. As most books were in Turkish I was not using this feature, but I noticed both classic and modern titles that would have been appealing to read.

Food for thought

Another excellent design feature at Zai is the built-in café, which features a range of drinks and dessert to fuel deep thinking. Rather than having to go somewhere else to recharge, you can bring a tray back to your workspace and enjoy both a good book and a tasty cheesecake or a hot drink at the same time! I have never seen this type of combination executed so well before. Usually coffee shop and other co-working spaces are too lively, with loud dynamic music that distracts from deep thinking, and libraries, while settled, miss the color and warmth that a café and garden can provide.

 Diverse artworks and sculptures are placed throughout the Zai building and garden grounds, creating a feeling of being at home in a curated artistic environment rather than in a re-purposed factory loft workspace. Many co-working office spaces these days seem to be more industrial in design, but I prefer this style.

Integration: the hallmark of a coherent space

At Zai, everything is beautifully designed in proportion, bringing the best quality of each element out without overshadowing the rest. Library/ art gallery/ garden/ café—all blend together seamlessly. This quality of integration—harmonizing various elements into a unified whole—is the hallmark of a coherent space. This feeling of wholeness is what makes me want to return again and again.

Visiting and working on refining a lecture on Vedic Dance at Zai was one of the highlights of my trip to Turkey and an experience I will now measure other library spaces against in the future. I also judge the effectiveness of a space by how easily I can access the subtler thinking levels I need for artistic expression, and in this case the experience was seamless, enjoyable, and superfluid.

My one suggestion for improving the space would be to include a wired ethernet option at the large tables for those who prefer high-speed secure wired internet connections rather than accessing the internet by Wi-Fi. Overall, I would love to see more spaces like Zai appearing around the world, as effective places for digital nomads to pause, reflect, and recharge, while maximizing their focus time.

Elements of a coherent space found at Zai

• North entrance
• Oriented on the grid
• Natural garden setting
• Abundant natural light inside (non-glaring) with scenic views of greenery
• Range of spaces from worktables to relaxing couches so there is something for everyone
• Knowledge, creative ideas, and internet access
• Music that enhances creativity
• Comfortable furnishings
• Art in the environment
• Good food

Zai Bodrum website: https://zaiyasam.com/

References

Coherent spaces Introduction