Extension of a Temple in Kyoto

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.