For a modern temple seeking cultural currency through design, Czarl Architects reinterprets classic Buddhist narratives in architectural terms. Yvonne Xu has the story.
April 24th, 2014
A decided departure from traditional temple architecture, the new block of Wat Ananda Metyarama is a modern architectural effort recalling the Buddhist tale of Siddhartha Gautama. Built in commemoration of the Thai Buddhist temple’s 90th anniversary, the extension block was designed by Czarl Architects who were asked to reinterpret traditional Thai Buddhist style temples for design and cultural currency.
Architect Carl Lim elaborates: “The chief monk felt that it was important for Buddhism to stay relevant and ahead of its time in this day and age to continue to attract young followers. The idea of temple extension was to keep the essence of Buddhist tradition but not the physical from. We love that idea that the physical aspect of the new structure was ‘formless’ and not preconceived. The monks were also questioning why mosques, churches and synagogues have updated and evolved into more contemporary architectural expressions yet Thai Buddhist temples were still stuck with the traditional built forms.”
Lim shares that one reference was “the way [traditional Thai Buddhist temples’] dramatic shaped saddle roof and ornamentation can be easily reinterpreted. The plan layout is pretty much centred around axis and symmetry.” In their interpretation, the new building takes on a V-shaped plan backed up against a highway and frames a large front courtyard in its winged centre.
Experientially, the overall building design references the Bodhi Tree under which Siddhartha meditated and gained enlightenment, with triangular openings creating the abstracted image of light filtering through leaves. The constant change of light and shadow through these windows can be best experienced in the prayer halls, where one may be reminded of the Buddhist teaching – the impermanence of life is its only constant.
The program for the extension block, which doubled an existing 600sqm monks quarters that it replaced on site, includes a larger monks’ quarters, additional prayer halls, meditation centres, Dharma classrooms, a museum as well as the aforementioned courtyard space for communal events and festivities.
Czarl Architects
czarlarchitects.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Found within the verdant landscape of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Sona Reddy’s design for this authentic Andhra restaurant adeptly fuses textural rhythms with traditional materials.
Eccentricity and refinement blend at Giant Steps Wines’ new Tasting Room – a picture-perfect place for guests to wine down.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.