Hsichih Mazu Temple Cultural Architecture

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project is a breakthrough from the traditional temple architecture in Taiwan. While retaining the traditional temple structure, the project reinterpreted the architectural form of traditional temples with an orientalist approach, using the concept of vertical development in Gothic architecture. This building is planned to exist for more than 1,000 years, and the building is located in a rainy and humid city, so the exterior of the building is made of architectural concrete.

Dimensions & Packaging

The building base is 990 square meters and the height of the building is 45 meters, nearly 15 stories high. The outer wall of the temple is made of the architectural concrete, while the other structures are made of stone, cement, and 7,000 pounds of reinforced concrete and steel.

Tags

new temple architecture, heaven light, swallowtail shape, architectural concrete, sustainable design

Production Technology

For the perfection of the exterior curves, the metal structure is wrapped inside the glass wall of the front of the building, so that the metal structure is not visible from the outside, and the upward curve angle symbolizes a smile, the smile curve part of the building is the most difficult part to construct in the project.

Design Challenge

Taiwan temple architecture has always followed the ancient system, with elements such as swallow-tailed roofs, large carved dragon pillars, lofty palaces, and tall spaces, presenting an extremely complex and ornate appearance. Between traditional and modern creative spirit, creating a new temple architecture that breaks the tradition is not easy. The design proposal was approved by the Goddess Mazu and the believers through the extremely difficult religious procedure.

Project Duration

This project sits in Xizhi district of New Taipei City, with plan drafted since April 2019, design completed in June 2020, and scheduled to finish in June 2024.

Operation Flow

The design team transformed the concept of the flying eaves into a swallowtail shape, combining the lines of the waves and the shape of a boat, to interpret the sacred meaning of Goddess Mazu coming to Taiwan across the ocean and guarding the sea and the people. The cantilever design of the roof observation deck, which is designed with the concept of a ship's hull, allows visitors to feel the imagery of waves and suspension on the cantilever, as if they are floating on a ship.

Research

Therefore, the design team studied all the Eastern and Western religious architecture, collected different faith cultures, and compared various kinds of volume architecture and spatial presentation, and finally decided to replace the traditional Taiwanese temple Minnan-style horizontal construction with Western Gothic architecture. Differs from the common temples in Taiwan, it aims to change the form of the temple of faith and culture in Taiwan with art and enter the international vision.

Inspiration

The design concept is based on light, the light from the heaven and the natural light, symbolizing Goddess Mazu as a soothing light of faith, like a beacon of light on the vast ocean. The cantilevered observation deck on the roof of the building is designed with the concept of a boat, thus conveying the intention of Goddess Mazu crossing the sea.

Image Credits

Image #1: MPI Design LLC.,2020
Image #2: MPI Design LLC.,2020
Image #3: MPI Design LLC.,2020
Image #4: MPI Design LLC.,2020
Image #5: MPI Design LLC.,2020

Colors of Hsichih Mazu Temple Cultural Architecture