Italian architecture studio Stefano Boeri Architetti has unveiled its ambitious design for a meditation center and landscaped gardens at the Ramagrama Stupa, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage destination in Nepal.
The architect's master plan for the center includes a vast peace meadow around the sacred Bodhi tree, which is surrounded by a biodiversity ring garden including a large gathering and meditation area that can accommodate thousands of monks.
Peace Meadow, the main attraction of the planned site, is 600 meters in diameter and features a wide lawn designed to resemble a mandala, a geometric symbol of the spiritual universe. The design aims to encourage contemplation and mindfulness near cultural spaces.
Four trails will direct visitors to the central hill via four entrance gates. The designers say their design takes into account local environmental conditions, allowing monks and lay visitors year-round access.
According to Stefano Boeri Architetti, the design of the center was inspired by the work of Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, author of the master plan developed for the Lumbini Museum in 1978, with an emphasis on the use of local raw materials.


The Ramagrama Stupa, dating from the early period of the Buddhist tradition, is located about 50 kilometers east of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. It features a green mound topped with a Bodhi tree and features four unique plant species, intended to represent the unity and harmony of the Buddha's teaching.
The project was unveiled at the Ramagrama Stupa in a grand ceremony attended by Buddhist monks, the Prime Minister of Nepal, government officials from Nepal and India, and members of the public.
“This project represents an extraordinary challenge for us: to create a meaningful center of prayer, meditation and peace in one of the most sacred sites of Buddhism,” said Stefano Boeri, founder of Stefano Boeri Architetti. (Daily Bow)
“Respecting the very rich symbolism of Buddhist scriptures, we proposed the creation of a large ring of biodiversity gardens around the Ramagrama Stupa with a high level of biodiversity in terms of plant species,” Boeri continued. “Due to its truly universal value and collaborative nature across cultures and nations, this project will become one of the most important cultural heritage projects underway in Nepal. » (Daily Bow)
The Biodiversity Ring Garden, a sloping space containing 80 plants of 000 different types, surrounds the entire property. The plant varieties were chosen from species native to the Terai lowland region, the birthplace of Buddha. The garden ends with a raised circular path shaded by trees which offers stunning views of the stupa.

Boeri founded his eponymous studio in 2009. It has offices in Milan and operations in Shanghai, Doha and Qatar. The company focuses on the research and development of modern architecture and urbanization, with an emphasis on biodiversity.