The Wong Dai Sin Temple is a Taoist temple located in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It was designed by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects and completed in 2015 to provide a new home for The Fung Loy KokInstitute of Taoism, a group dedicated to their inner spiritual growth via the ancient physical practice of tai chi.[1][2] The temple was specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs and unique practices of The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Society while also reflecting the modern and contemporary world of its members.[2][3]
The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Society's practices are based in Taoism, and are represented in the temple's architecture. Similar to a well-executed tai chi position, the building's asymmetry and balance symbolize the harmony and balance of the universe according to Taoism and the balance of energy (chi and yin yang). The temple's daring floating one-story structure is one of the boldest gestures of architecture in the area,[4] and rises above the ground on a small number of rectangular columns that are suspended several meter's above the ground.[1] It is supported by one of the longest pre-stressed concrete cantilevers in North America.
The Canadian Architect (2016) lauded the elegance and refinement of the temple's design and layout, among other publications. According to Hume (2015),[4] the temple is also raising the bar for Markham's architecture. Several awards, including the Governor General's Awards in Architecture, a prestigious award in Canada that recognizes remarkable performance in the field of architecture[9],[1] have been given in recognition of the buildings daring and impressive architectural achievements. Azure Magazine (2016) also recognizes Wong Dai Sin Temple as the 2016 AZ Awards Winner for Outstanding Architecture Under 1000 Square Meters,[3] the RAIC (2016) exhibits the work of Governor General's Medal winners.
The Wong Dai Sin Temple was constructed to benefit the people of Markham, Ontario, and to offer a place of worship for devotees of the Chinese god Wong Tai Sin. The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism's religious principles and the contemporary lifestyle of its followers are reflected in the modern design and ancient practices of tai chi and worship at the temple. The temples proposition was strongly opposed by protests from nearby residents and Markham officials, which meant taking the buildings proposal to the Ontario Municipal Board to get it approved.[4] With its intentional use of colour, amplification of natural light, and dedication to a carefully selected palette of materials, the temple is a modern rendition of the old Wong Tai Sin Temples seen in other regions of the world.
Usageedit
For devotees of the Chinese god Wong Tai Sin, the Wong Dai Sin Temple is a holy location where rituals, meditation, and other spiritual activities are performed. One such spiritual activity is tai chi, which doubly serves as meditative and exercise to increase mobility and strength in the predominantly senior user base of the temple.
The temple grounds serves as both a parking lot and a covered outdoor area for neighborhood events [5] and tai chi practice. Along with Taoism the temple also serves the practice and learning of Buddhism and Confucianism.[4] A memorial room remembering ancestors is located in the temple's prayer hall. It has bamboo plaques and places for worshippers to lay offerings and ignite incense.[6][7] Large rings of incense are supported by circular motorized skylights and red light monitors, which adjust natural light and are employed in Taoist chanting and prayer rituals.[4][3]
Designedit
Using cast-in-place concrete, the Wong Dai Sin Temple is able to accomplish difficult angular geometries without the use of extra cladding or framework. The asymmetry and balancing of the structure resemble a controlled tai chi position. The primary and minor cantilevers, which are supported on thin concrete piers and exhibit asymmetry and counterbalance while preserving equilibrium, are visible on the south elevation.[6] The floating structure of the temple also allows it to free up more space for activities at the temple such as tai chi, and adding additional parking space. The building's north and south facades are covered with vertical fins made of curved weathering steel that regulate views from the inside out. These panels angle according to the suns path to keep the inside of the temple at a constant dim and diffused lighting condition, creating a calm place for worship and ritual. Additional lighting is created through the use of skylights that double as light fixtures. The angular and simple shape language of the Wong Dai Sin Temple, in tandem with its massive concrete and steel exterior have principles rooted in the architectural style of modernism, which gives the temple a contemporary edge to match its setting.[1]
Awardsedit
The Wong Dai Sin Temple's design earned recognition through The Governor General's Medals in Architecture, a prestigious award in Canada that recognizes excellence in architecture.[5] This award is considered an influential force in shaping the built environment in Canada and raising the profile of Canadian architecture both nationally and internationally.[3][7] Azure Magazine (2016) recognizes Wong Dai Sin Temple as the 2016 AZ Awards Winner for Outstanding Architecture Under 1000 Square Meters as well.[3]
Referencesedit
^ abcd"Wong Dai Sin Temple / Shim-Sutcliffe Architects". ArchDaily. 2017-08-24. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
^ ab"Wong Dai Sin Temple | Blackwell Structural Engineers". blackwell.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
^ abcdeofficebureau (2016-08-17). "2016 AZ Awards Winner: Best Architecture, Under 1,000 Square Metres". Azure Magazine. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
^ abcdeHume (2015). "Temple raises the stakes in Markham: Taoist building has sophistication". Toronto Star.
^ abMoore, Shannon (2016-05-19). "Governor General's Medal Winner: Wong Dai Sin Temple". Canadian Architect. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
^ ab"RAIC showcases work of Governor General's medal winners". 2016. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
^ ab"WONG DAI SIN TEMPLE". The Canadian Architect. 2016.
November 16, 2023
wong, temple, taoist, temple, located, markham, ontario, canada, designed, shim, sutcliffe, architects, completed, 2015, provide, home, fung, institute, taoism, group, dedicated, their, inner, spiritual, growth, ancient, physical, practice, temple, specificall. The Wong Dai Sin Temple is a Taoist temple located in Markham Ontario Canada It was designed by Shim Sutcliffe Architects and completed in 2015 to provide a new home for The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism a group dedicated to their inner spiritual growth via the ancient physical practice of tai chi 1 2 The temple was specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs and unique practices of The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Society while also reflecting the modern and contemporary world of its members 2 3 Wong Dai Sin TempleView from Steeles Ave E North York ON in 2021General informationArchitectural styleModern architectureAddress378 Steeles Ave E Thornhill ON L3T 0E7 1Town or cityMarkham ONCountryCanadaCoordinates43 48 20 N 79 23 11 E 43 80556 N 79 38639 E 43 80556 79 38639Technical detailsFloor area3271 ft Design and constructionArchitect s Brigitte ShimThe Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Society s practices are based in Taoism and are represented in the temple s architecture Similar to a well executed tai chi position the building s asymmetry and balance symbolize the harmony and balance of the universe according to Taoism and the balance of energy chi and yin yang The temple s daring floating one story structure is one of the boldest gestures of architecture in the area 4 and rises above the ground on a small number of rectangular columns that are suspended several meter s above the ground 1 It is supported by one of the longest pre stressed concrete cantilevers in North America The Canadian Architect 2016 lauded the elegance and refinement of the temple s design and layout among other publications According to Hume 2015 4 the temple is also raising the bar for Markham s architecture Several awards including the Governor General s Awards in Architecture a prestigious award in Canada that recognizes remarkable performance in the field of architecture 9 1 have been given in recognition of the buildings daring and impressive architectural achievements Azure Magazine 2016 also recognizes Wong Dai Sin Temple as the 2016 AZ Awards Winner for Outstanding Architecture Under 1000 Square Meters 3 the RAIC 2016 exhibits the work of Governor General s Medal winners Contents 1 History 2 Usage 3 Design 4 Awards 5 ReferencesHistory editThe Wong Dai Sin Temple was constructed to benefit the people of Markham Ontario and to offer a place of worship for devotees of the Chinese god Wong Tai Sin The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism s religious principles and the contemporary lifestyle of its followers are reflected in the modern design and ancient practices of tai chi and worship at the temple The temples proposition was strongly opposed by protests from nearby residents and Markham officials which meant taking the buildings proposal to the Ontario Municipal Board to get it approved 4 With its intentional use of colour amplification of natural light and dedication to a carefully selected palette of materials the temple is a modern rendition of the old Wong Tai Sin Temples seen in other regions of the world Usage editFor devotees of the Chinese god Wong Tai Sin the Wong Dai Sin Temple is a holy location where rituals meditation and other spiritual activities are performed One such spiritual activity is tai chi which doubly serves as meditative and exercise to increase mobility and strength in the predominantly senior user base of the temple The temple grounds serves as both a parking lot and a covered outdoor area for neighborhood events 5 and tai chi practice Along with Taoism the temple also serves the practice and learning of Buddhism and Confucianism 4 A memorial room remembering ancestors is located in the temple s prayer hall It has bamboo plaques and places for worshippers to lay offerings and ignite incense 6 7 Large rings of incense are supported by circular motorized skylights and red light monitors which adjust natural light and are employed in Taoist chanting and prayer rituals 4 3 Design editUsing cast in place concrete the Wong Dai Sin Temple is able to accomplish difficult angular geometries without the use of extra cladding or framework The asymmetry and balancing of the structure resemble a controlled tai chi position The primary and minor cantilevers which are supported on thin concrete piers and exhibit asymmetry and counterbalance while preserving equilibrium are visible on the south elevation 6 The floating structure of the temple also allows it to free up more space for activities at the temple such as tai chi and adding additional parking space The building s north and south facades are covered with vertical fins made of curved weathering steel that regulate views from the inside out These panels angle according to the suns path to keep the inside of the temple at a constant dim and diffused lighting condition creating a calm place for worship and ritual Additional lighting is created through the use of skylights that double as light fixtures The angular and simple shape language of the Wong Dai Sin Temple in tandem with its massive concrete and steel exterior have principles rooted in the architectural style of modernism which gives the temple a contemporary edge to match its setting 1 Awards editThe Wong Dai Sin Temple s design earned recognition through The Governor General s Medals in Architecture a prestigious award in Canada that recognizes excellence in architecture 5 This award is considered an influential force in shaping the built environment in Canada and raising the profile of Canadian architecture both nationally and internationally 3 7 Azure Magazine 2016 recognizes Wong Dai Sin Temple as the 2016 AZ Awards Winner for Outstanding Architecture Under 1000 Square Meters as well 3 References edit a b c d Wong Dai Sin Temple Shim Sutcliffe Architects ArchDaily 2017 08 24 Retrieved 2023 03 20 a b Wong Dai Sin Temple Blackwell Structural Engineers blackwell ca Retrieved 2023 03 20 a b c d e officebureau 2016 08 17 2016 AZ Awards Winner Best Architecture Under 1 000 Square Metres Azure Magazine Retrieved 2023 03 20 a b c d e Hume 2015 Temple raises the stakes in Markham Taoist building has sophistication Toronto Star a b Moore Shannon 2016 05 19 Governor General s Medal Winner Wong Dai Sin Temple Canadian Architect Retrieved 2023 03 20 a b RAIC showcases work of Governor General s medal winners 2016 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a Cite journal requires journal help a b WONG DAI SIN TEMPLE The Canadian Architect 2016 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Wong Dai Sin Temple amp oldid 1174074783, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
