Samsara is a sacred place for communal water worship.

In the future, humans will develop technological and spiritual ways to emotionally process our collective scarcity mindset with natural resources.

As one approaches, they will see a circular structure with five entryways. The structure is primarily made of Arundo Donax, an invasive giant reed harvested in California. These reeds are bundled into a network of arches covered with up-cycled fabric and paper based cladding.

Once inside, you are led into a labyrinth made of large concentric rings of semi-translucent fabric hanging from the ceiling. The curtains blow in the wind and are lit up by rippling water reflections from light fixtures sitting at the edges of the space.

At the center is the Looking Well, a cylindrical structure that contains a reservoir of water, sealed by a glass cover. Through computer control, modal vibrational phenomena generate cymatic water patterns. These patterns can be controlled and changed by turning the rim of the well.

We welcome everyone to sit and experience each other's resonance. As more people arrive, the water currents and soundscape become richer, demonstrating the inherent abundance in community.

Follow our instagram to see our progress!

Project Budget

Samsara is only partially funded by Burning Man. Out of our $11500 budget, they are covering $4500.

We keep costs low by using upcycled and borrowed materials and support from our community.

About the Crew

The Samsara build crew is an international group of creative like-minded human beings that care about the planet. They all have a variety of experiences with on-playa build, including projects like Mayu the wombspace in 2024, Oxytocin in 2022, and Helyx, the tree with spinning balls of fire in 2013.

Emi Watanabe is an Industrial Designer known for her eclectic skillset and creation of diverse experiences. Her journey has included running a farm-to-table restaurant, designing and fabricating large-scale steel sculptures, and designing and overseeing assembly-line production of radios, satellites, and mechanical medical devices.

Now a nomad, Emi explores the world, seeking new stories and ideas awaiting creation.

2025 is her fourth year leading and her tenth year supporting design and build on Playa. Some notable projects include Temple Galaxia in 2018, Roshanai in 2016, and Celestial Mechanica in 2014.

See more of her work here.

Arthur Harsuvanakit is a designer and researcher focused on bringing sacred and sustainable spaces to life.

His professional work has involved developing interactive exhibits for museums in the Bay Area, California, including the California Academy of Sciences and the Oakland Museum. He is currently working as a Principal Research Scientist for Autodesk, a design software company, where he develops and demonstrates new tools and techniques that promote sustainability through the intersection of technology, design, and materials for the built environment. Arthur is based in Berkeley, California.

2025 will be his 5^th year supporting design and build on the playa. Some notable projects he has participated in include the Temple of Whollyness 2013, Temple of Grace in 2014, and Oxytocin in 2022.

See more of his work here.

Saṃsāra

a sacred place for communal water worship