Chang An Temple: A Neo-Oriental Architectural Marvel

Blending Traditional Elements with Modern Design in a Buddhist Enlightenment Hall

The Chang An Temple stands out for its rich exterior design, which showcases the elements and characteristics of ancient oriental architecture. Approximately one-third of the site is allocated for a Zen garden, providing a sense of luxury and a welcoming entrance. The manmade lake at the frontage is complemented with an outdoor gallery of Chinese calligraphy and Buddhism statue stones, evoking a blend of the modern era with ancient oriental characteristics.

The temple is situated in Malaysia, a hot-humid tropic country with high precipitation all year round. The construction structure is predominantly reinforced concrete and masonry wall, which is sustainable and suitable for the hot tropic climate and minimal seismic zone. The reflective pond surrounding the temple building footprint acts as an air inter-cooler system, reducing external air temperature and dependency on air-conditioning.

The project spans a building scale of 20,440 square meters and a land area of 39,254.50 square meters. The design team includes Creative Director SW Chew, KM Chew, Design Assistant Nor Azmi Bin Nor Saidon, and Mohamad Hisamudin. The temple serves various functions, including a prayer hall, indoor and outdoor Buddhist cultural calligraphy museum, and meditation center.

The project started in October 2020 in Selangor, Malaysia, and is expected to finish in 2022. The design incorporates Chinese calligraphy and Buddhism statue stones, which are essential in traditional Chinese architecture. These stones are introduced into the Zen garden landscapes as an outdoor gallery, complementing the atmosphere towards the sense of oriental and its origin.

The main challenge in the design process was the conversion of technology. The ancient oriental architecture was created through a timber building structure, which is not suitable for the current era. Therefore, the conversion of the ancient timber structure into a concrete structure without losing the aesthetic feeling and actual proportion of ancient oriental architecture was a significant challenge.

The Chang An Temple is a testament to the integration of the modern era and the ancient oriental aesthetic. The design was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2021, a prestigious recognition for top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.