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Article from issue 7/1999 »Refurbishment«

Extension of a Temple in Kyoto

Drafts
Plans 1:1000
Section 1:500
Site plan 1:5000
Vertical section through facade 1:20
Vertical section through reception hall 1:20

The Higashi-Honganji Buddhist Temple has been extended with a 3,000 m2 modern reception tract. In order to retain the central visual axis between the historic buildings – which include the Goei-do, one of the largest timber structures in the world – the new tract was located underground. In the courtyard above, it manifests itself simply in the form of a stone disc surrounded by a bed of white gravel. The circular skylight over the conical auditorium symbolizes the sun. Its centre lies on the main axis. The crescent-shaped strip of glazing in the foyer roof around the auditorium is a reference to the moon. The skylights and a light well provide the basement rooms with daylight and afford surprising views of the old timber architecture.