Buddhism
Buddhist architecture is defined by stupas, prayer halls, and the focus of this exhibit, the pagoda. The pagoda is a popular feature in East Asian Buddhist architecture, with its origins actually tracing back to the Indian stupa (Inoue et al. 2024). Usually seen with an odd number of floors, connecting to Chinese numerology, the pagoda is a towering, tiered structure. They can have outward or inward flaring roofs, be built of wood or brick, have circular or rectangular bases, etc.
The Iron Pagoda: An Eternal Masterpiece
The Iron Pagoda is a 13-story building in Henan, China. It has an octagonal base, borrowing from numerology around the lucky number eight. Within the building, there is a central pillar connecting to the cosmos. The building is a symbol of prosperity and longevity. While it has seen weathering and erosion, the Iron Pagoda has stood tall in Youguo Temple for over 900 years, replacing a once burned pagoda.
Of course, pagodas are not the only form of Buddhist architecture. As previously stated, Buddhist architecture can take various forms, especially across time and countries. In the present, religious architecture oftentimes uses modern or even futuristic forms and techniques.
Shinjuku Ruriko-in Byakurenge-do: A Work of Modern Ideals
Shinjuku Ruriko-in Byakurenge-do is a contemporary Buddhist temple located in Japan. The building is a beaming white structure located in the middle of Shinjuku city. Shinjuku Ruriko-in Byakurenge-do has a simple and calm form, exhibiting Buddhist principles. It is meant to resemble a futuristic blooming lotus--the lotus being a symbol of purity in Buddhism. Built from concrete, the structure showcases the use of modern techniques and ideologies in creating temples.
Click Link to See Plans:
https://hiddenarchitecture.net/shinjuku-ruriko-in-byakurenge-do/