Ray O'Neill

My Hotel Luminara project explores the ways in which architecture can serve individuals in the aftermath of a spiritual awakening. The design emphasizes material integrity, elemental experience, and structured movement through space.

A primary architectural feature is the repeated use of groin vaults and barrel arches to define circulation paths and frame key spatial moments. The material palette centers on limestone, chosen for its historical association with sacred spaces and its ability to absorb and retain energy. Brick brings its warmth, strength, and textured surfaces to the material palette.

The Water Immersion Entry begins the visitor's journey with a focus on purification. Flowing water, reflective surfaces, and sound work together to calm the senses and signal an inward shift. The entry space is directly connected to a garden at the rear of the plan and includes a partial roof opening that allows sunlight to enter. Together, these elements create a point of connection to natural forces—linking water, light, earth, and architecture into a unified threshold experience.

The Fire Observatory, located on the third floor, serves as a quiet upper retreat. At its center is a stained glass fire pit surrounded by seating and lounge areas. The outer corridors are lined with hundreds of candle niches. A semi-private alcove contains a daybed and stoop facing a stained glass window. The center is open to the sky; the surrounding corridors are enclosed by barrel vaults, creating a contrast between exposure and enclosure.

The project is presented mostly through rendered perspective drawings in mixed media—primarily pastel—and supported by digitally produced plans. A new key plan has been added for the Fire Observatory, and adjustments to the design of the lower level reduce visual distractions from adjacent hotel functions, preserving the focus of the main spatial sequences.

This thesis project contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.