A Poignantly Reverent Space

Reception Hall

The design team, led by Pei-Chi Hung, was tasked with creating a reception hall that would provide a serene and respectful space for worshippers to gather and meditate. The main inspiration for the design came from the client's collection of religious artifacts, which served as the foundation for the overall theme of Serenity, Respect, Harmony, and Simple Happiness. The goal was to create an environment that would allow all users to experience a sense of respect and harmony, fostering a feeling of simple happiness.

One of the unique features of this design is the integration of the client's religious artifacts into the space. The design team carefully placed these objects throughout the reception hall, using custom-made furniture with a consistent style to provide storage and display functions. This creates an ambiance reminiscent of a religious museum, allowing worshippers to read and reflect at any time.

The design was realized using a combination of teak, Taiwan cypress, metal-coated paint, natural masonry products, and darkened tinted glass. These materials were chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic and create a sense of tranquility and elegance.

The reception hall spans an area of 154 square meters and includes a worship hall, tea-tasting area, open kitchen and dining area, meditation room, and rest area. The layout was carefully planned to accommodate the various activities associated with Buddhist worship rituals, providing both public spaces for religious study and discussion groups, as well as private areas for individual meditation sessions.

Throughout the design, the focus was on creating a space that exudes tranquility and minimalism. The door panels of all rooms are concealed within the elevations, and storage functions are hidden within special furniture and cabinets. This helps to maintain the overall ambiance of serenity and elegance that is essential for this special space.

The project was completed in March 2017 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The design team conducted extensive research to ensure that the space would evoke a sense of awe and respect. At the entrance, visitors are guided into a procession that creates a mountain-like atmosphere. The central axis of the interior showcases a rich collection of lection classics, while the dining area features a darkened tinted glass wall etched with the texts of the Great Compassion Mantra, further enhancing the aura of serenity and respect.

This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. The award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The reception hall design stood out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to creating a better world.