Songshan Cihui Temple - Ksitigarbha Hall: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation

A Modern Interpretation of a Religious Space

The inspiration for the Ksitigarbha Hall comes from the deep-rooted symbolism and spirituality associated with the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Known as the king of the hell realm, the Bodhisattva embodies patience, steadfastness, and deep meditation. The designers drew inspiration from the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, infusing the hall with intricate details that reflect the Bodhisattva's qualities.

One of the standout features of the Ksitigarbha Hall is the 9.5-meter Bagua diagram lightwell at its center. This unique design element not only brings in an abundance of natural light but also represents the philosophic ideology of each thing generating each other and evolution, derived from the Bagua theory. The lightwell is adorned with crystal white chrysanthemum petals, which further enhance the play of natural daylight within the space.

The high-ceiling oval wall of the hall is another striking feature. Carved from white marble, it showcases a mezzo-relief design of iridescent clouds. This iconic Chinese cultural figure, reminiscent of the dragon pattern, symbolizes fortune and adds a touch of liveliness to the space. The combination of the lightwell and the oval wall creates a harmonious and visually captivating environment.

The realization of the Ksitigarbha Hall involved meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The white lightwell, with its 9.5-meter high ceiling, allows ample natural light to flood the space, creating a comfortable and serene atmosphere. The wall elevation features relief carvings on marble, depicting the iridescent clouds that surround the pattern. The Ksitigarbha statue, carved from gentle white jade, sits on a lavish lotus seat crafted from free and smooth grains of marble, reflecting the Bodhisattva's earth-like image.

The design specifications of the Ksitigarbha Hall further emphasize its spiritual significance. The hall features white marble flooring and wall surfaces, complemented by sandblasting colored glaze wall niches embedded with baked painting. A total of 28 white carved marble columns, 14 of which are 390 cm tall and the other 14 measuring 150 cm, symbolize the 28 benefits that believers receive by chanting the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra.

Unlike traditional Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva halls, the Ksitigarbha Hall adopts a rectangular space plan. The main design element is the 3-meter-tall Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue, positioned at the center of the hall. Oval elements are strategically arranged throughout the space, allowing every aspect of the area to have a clear view of and connection to the Bodhisattva statue. The wall niches provide a tranquil space for reflection and worship.

The Ksitigarbha Hall project was completed in 2020 in Taipei City, Taiwan. It required overcoming various challenges, including the construction of a new building on the original temple site. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, combined with the incorporation of traditional symbolism and modern design elements, have resulted in a truly unique and awe-inspiring religious space.

The Ksitigarbha Hall at Songshan Cihui Temple is a testament to the seamless integration of tradition and innovation. It serves as a place of worship and reflection, while also captivating visitors with its modern design elements. This harmonious blend of spirituality and aesthetics is a true testament to the talent and creativity of the design team, Parn Shyr, Yung-Hsi Peng, and Pei-Chi Hung.

Image Credit: Parn Shyr Design

Awards and Accolades: The Ksitigarbha Hall at Songshan Cihui Temple was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.