Nalandabodhi Namkha Ösal
Nalandabodhi Namkha Ösal
- LOCATION
Taichung, Taiwan
- CLIENT
Taichung City Corporate Body Nalandabodhi Society
- CATEGORY
Spiritual Spaces
- GROSS BUILDING FLOOR AREA (Approx.)
580㎡
- COMPLETION YEAR
2023
- DESIGN YEAR
2019
- Executive Architect
StudioBase Architects, Design Group & Construction
The design adopts a pure and simple cubic form to capture the “original essence of architectural space.” The combination of architectural concrete and glass creates a natural, unadorned texture and an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow, evoking a profound and serene atmosphere. Over time, the building bears the marks of aging, reflecting the transient nature of life.
From the exterior, the facade features a central glass box embraced by a framework of architectural concrete. The meditation halls occupy two levels behind the translucent glass. The frosted ceramic silkscreen glass allows natural light to flood the interior during the day, while at night, soft light from within gently illuminates the streets, ensuring both visibility and privacy for activities inside the space.
The architectural concrete exterior walls are crafted using wood-grain formwork, creating varied surface textures that display different expressions under changing light conditions. Beside the entrance stairs stands a double-story-high Thousand Buddha Wall, where 1,002 Buddha niches are carved into the hand-chiseled surface. It inspires reflection: Beyond what is visible, do more Buddha statues exist behind the wall? Or perhaps within each person's heart?
The service and functional spaces are located on the recessed ground level, making the main shrine appear to float in mid-air. Canyon-like semi-outdoor stairs guide visitors upward in a clockwise direction, reminiscent of a Buddhist circumambulation experience. As sunlight filters down and thousands of Buddha niches line the side wall, the space fosters a sense of tranquility and spiritual elevation, offering visitors a transformative pilgrimage experience.
From the exterior, the facade features a central glass box embraced by a framework of architectural concrete. The meditation halls occupy two levels behind the translucent glass. The frosted ceramic silkscreen glass allows natural light to flood the interior during the day, while at night, soft light from within gently illuminates the streets, ensuring both visibility and privacy for activities inside the space.
The architectural concrete exterior walls are crafted using wood-grain formwork, creating varied surface textures that display different expressions under changing light conditions. Beside the entrance stairs stands a double-story-high Thousand Buddha Wall, where 1,002 Buddha niches are carved into the hand-chiseled surface. It inspires reflection: Beyond what is visible, do more Buddha statues exist behind the wall? Or perhaps within each person's heart?
The service and functional spaces are located on the recessed ground level, making the main shrine appear to float in mid-air. Canyon-like semi-outdoor stairs guide visitors upward in a clockwise direction, reminiscent of a Buddhist circumambulation experience. As sunlight filters down and thousands of Buddha niches line the side wall, the space fosters a sense of tranquility and spiritual elevation, offering visitors a transformative pilgrimage experience.
