Nestled between majestic buildings on Diamond Hill in Kowloon, the Buddhist temple known as the Chi Lin Nunnery, founded in 1930, was completely rebuilt in 1998. The temple was designed according to the architectural tradition of the Tang Dynasty. The purpose of the architecture (consisting of wooden sections interconnected without a single nail) is to demonstrate the harmony of mankind with nature. In the midst of lotus ponds, bonsai tea trees, and bougainvillea, the silent nuns make fruit and rice offerings to Buddha, while Arhats (Buddhist disciples freed from the cycle of birth and death) recite behind carved screens. The project concerns an important part of the convent: the pagoda. The concept adheres to the design philosophy of the whole architectural complex, making the work as nonintrusive as possible. The lighting design will generate a “floating pagoda”, which appears to be detached from the ground and raised upwards, like the knowledge which, by nourishing our soul, raises us higher and higher, detaching us from material goods (philosophy of Buddhist thought). Small spotlights will be installed on the ground floor, recreating the “floating” effect, while a line of LEDs will be installed along the outer railing of each tier, creating even lighting on the walls. Spotlights on the roof will accent the long pillar (yasti), while the lower entrance stairs will be illuminated by strip LEDs placed in the handrail.
Client:
Studio Formandi
Collaborations:
Chi Lin Nunnery
Photo Courtesy:
Studio Formandi
Year:
2018
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