Yilan County Wujie Junior High School｜Mindful Haven

“ Give a man a mask and he will tell you the truth ” — Oscar Wilde

Wujie Junior High School had been using an idle classroom as its temporary counseling room. The space lacked partitions—only a small sofa set and a few floor mats occupied one corner. Moreover, the room sat beside one of the school’s busiest corridors, a popular site for gatherings and activities, making it extremely challenging for a space that requires quiet, privacy, and emotional safety.

Enhancing the visibility of the counseling space on campus and creating a pathway for self-exploration

The design team approached the project by imagining how counselors guide students to explore themselves and bring subconscious thoughts into awareness. Flow and movement became the foundation for shaping the spatial layout. Upon entering, a new corner gathering zone was created to buffer corridor activity, keeping noise and visual distractions away from the inner counseling area.

A gently curved, enveloping wall defines an introverted entry sequence, forming a tranquil passage that gradually leads inward. Walking through this serene pathway, students arrive at the counseling room located at the deepest point of the space—where natural light introduces a sense of clarity and renewal. The shifting spatial forms and meandering circulation metaphorically echo the counselor’s role in guiding students toward their inner calm and clarity.

Here, both designers and teachers share a vision: to create a small, welcoming sanctuary where students feel safe to open their hearts, express emotions, and explore themselves. Neutral palettes and non-directive décor were chosen intentionally, allowing the atmosphere to adapt to each individual’s state of mind. No matter what feelings students bring with them, this space aims to offer comfort, relaxation, reassurance, and a sense of ease.