•Publication Date：11/05/2013
•Source： Taiwan Today
The design for Dharma Drum Mountain’s Nung Chan Monastery in Taipei City captured top prize at the Taiwan Architecture Awards, according to event organizer Taiwan Architect Magazine Nov. 4.
“This project is distinctive in that it transcends religious and nonreligious tastes,” a magazine representative said. “The open space is welcoming, with an abstract presentation of light and shadow giving visitors a sense of serenity.”
Designed by Kris Yao, a renowned Taiwan architect with Taipei-based Artech Inc., the plan for the monastery was inspired by a vision of a flower in the sky and moon on the water experienced during a mediation session by Dharma Drum Mountain Master Sheng Yen.
Yao said he capitalized on the scenic natural environment and built a place for worship within the gorgeous landscape. With two walls at the entrance separating the monastery from the bustling city, the main hall overlooks a peaceful courtyard with a lotus pond 80 meters in length as its main focus, he added.
“Another innovation is a concrete corridor on the side of the pond featuring the Diamond Sutra, and a wooden wall inside the main hall featuring the Heart Sutra,” Yao said. “When sunlight streams through the structures, worshippers are bathed in the traditional teachings of Buddha.”
Yao’s design work was one of 11 finalists selected from 205 entries. Other winners of this year’s awards are National Taiwan University’s College of Social Sciences by Toyo Ito & Associates Architects; Hakka Cultural Park in Miaoli County by Ricky Liu and Associates and Takenaka Corp.; as well as an expansion of Wulai parking tower in New Taipei City by Q-Lab.
A special presentation was also made for the design of JJ-W Culture Design Hotel by Taiwan’s first licensed female architect Wang Hsiu-lian and Open Union Cultural and Creative Co. Ltd.
Established in 1978, the awards are organized by Taiwan Architects Association and Taiwan Architect Magazine of the ROC National Association of Architects to spur greater creativity within the architectural profession.
