Fo Guang Shan Hui Chung Temple

In today’s fast-paced urban environment, individuals frequently experience prolonged exposure to noise and stress, which hampers their ability to find mental and physical peace. This project addresses these urban challenges by creating a tangible and experiential journey toward spiritual transition within daily life. Rather than distancing from the city, it focuses on guiding individuals through thoughtfully designed transitional spaces that lead them step by step into a state of inner calm. In doing so, it redefines the contemporary dao-chang (dojo) as a public realm dedicated to spiritual growth and well-being.

The design is grounded in the principle of “harmonious continuity without disturbance, unfolding through successive thresholds.” It translates Buddhist and traditional Chinese cultural values into spatial proportions, light and shadow rhythms, and the physical experience of movement. Rather than relying on overt symbolism, spirituality emerges organically through actions and perceptions. The project employs layered spatial sequences and circulation transitions to create an experiential framework that gently calms the body and mind, positioning the architecture as a vessel for inner transformation and shifts in mental state.

The architectural design blends with the urban environment through a subtle massing that avoids overt religious symbols. The façade tapers upward and features metal grilles, creating a semi-transparent interface and transitional corridors, establishing a buffer between the street and the interior. Visitors access the main entrance at an elevated level via vertical circulation, evoking the experience of ascending a mountain. The roof, inspired by abstract Buddhist imagery, is indirectly illuminated at night, providing a calm yet distinctive presence in the urban landscape, and creating an introspective space for practice within the city.

The spatial program includes a variety of functions—such as religious rituals, education, artistic activities, dining, accommodation, and public gatherings—to meet the diverse needs of users. Circulation is organized with a clear and intuitive hierarchy, making it easy for first-time visitors to understand the layout. By incorporating adaptable, multi-purpose spaces, the architecture can shift smoothly between everyday use and event-based activities. This flexibility accommodates various scenarios and psychological states while ensuring a consistent, calm, and grounded spatial experience.

This project redefines religious architecture as a contemporary urban dao-chang—a place of spiritual practice and cultivation embedded in everyday city life. By prioritizing spiritual experience, it shifts focus from traditional symbols to aspects of space, movement, and perception. The design incorporates a layered spatial framework, transforming the religious setting into a public platform for shared spiritual experiences that are accessible and engaging. By translating traditional cultural values into modern architectural language, the project serves both devotees and addresses the broader cultural and psychological needs of the city.

Sustainability in this project extends beyond material selection to the architecture's use and maintenance over time. By using low-carbon, environmentally responsible materials and modular systems, the design minimizes construction impact and lowers long-term energy demands. Additionally, multi-functional spatial planning enhances overall utilization, reducing the risk of underuse associated with single-purpose designs. This approach establishes a sustainable operational model that addresses environmental, economic, and social aspects, ensuring the preservation of spiritual, cultural, and public values for the long term.