FAITH

A Center for Faith Agnostics is located in the capitol of People's Republic of China - Beijing, in the Dongcheng district, in the southern part of The Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park of Beijing. The main purpose of the project is to design a temple for agnostics as a place of tranquility accessible to all. The intent of the agnostic temple design is to combine features such as: user friendly, intimacy, natural materials and change in appearance due to the season. So that it can provide you the utmost concentration you needed to feel at ease. The structure of the building is created by subtracting the gimmun and thus, becoming part of the landscape. Dwelling from within, this structure allows you to effectively remove yourself from any external stimuli, enabling calming and soothing sensations to the soul.

The location of the temple project has been carefully thought out. The pedestrian traffic, public transport stops, the distance from the car overpass and the height of the ground were analyzed. The team concluded that the southern part of the park is the most peaceful part, due to the greatest distance from the car overpass. Another criterion taken into account - a large number of pedestrians - was also met, because the designed temple is to be located in fairly close proximity to the public transport stop and at the intersection of the main paths in the park. The differences in the height of the terrain were also optimal in this place, which allowed for partial elevation and sinking of the land. In the selected area, it is possible to create new cubature objects that will not disturb the perception of the Ming Dynasty walls. In a given area, it is most effective to emphasize the compositional axis being created between the Ming Dynasty Walls Relic and the Ming Dynasty Building.

The original concept of the project was to create a temple on a circular plan, but by analyzing the architecture of Beijing and the area of the park where the temple was to be located, the team concluded that it was better to focus on a geometric form. This is how the idea for the current shape of the solid was born - a hexagon. The form of the object is based on the elevation and recess of the terrain fragments. Thanks to this, it does not disturb the space or dominate other important objects in the area. The lowering of the ground leads to the entrance to the temple, giving the feeling that the park enters the temple interior. The elevation of the area, in turn, creates a kind of gap filled with transparent strings, which gives the feeling of unity between the interior and the surrounding park. The rift creates a viewing opening on the existing Ming Dynasty Building. As lighting only with a slot would be an insufficient source of light for the entire interior, it was decided to introduce geometric triangular skylights. The skylights are in the form of crystals and split the light flowing inside. Thanks to this, the light rays create colorful illuminations in the interior, creating a mystical atmosphere.

From the outside, the body of the building is almost invisible from a distance. As we approach the temple, we begin to notice it and the individual elements become more and more distinguishable. Thanks to the fact that the temple is mostly underground, it becomes something mystical and encourages passers-by to visit its interior. Planting the roof with vegetation makes it an integral part of the park. Thanks to this, the biologically active area in the park was not disturbed. The descent to the temple is covered with a mineral surface covered by pebbles, which gives the impression of drawing the park into its interior. On the south side, the designed fissure causes the border between the inside and outside to blur. The natural environment around the temple is visible from inside. It gives you the opportunity to experience nature and draw inspiration and beauty from it.

The facility changes depending on the season. In spring it disappears in flowering plants, and in winter in the snow covering it. In summer, the temple is most visible, while in autumn it fades slightly in the leaves falling from the trees. The interior of the object also changes due to the different intensity of sunlight. It also affects the colors of the interior, which, depending on the weather, may be either warm or cooler. In winter, when snow covers the object and at night, when there is no natural sunlight, the object is illuminated with warm artificial light located at the joint between the walls and the roof.

In order to get as close to nature as possible, the object consists of materials derived from natural sources. The exceptions are walls and ceilings made in monolithic structure, due to the fact that the building is mostly underground. However, the interior has been finished with natural materials. The floor is wooden, the walls are covered with natural wooden slats. The benches are made of impregnated wooden logs, while the seats are made of natural tree trunks. In the middle of the temple there is a pool, also made of natural wood.

To sum up, the temple is supposed to be a place accessible to everyone. Thanks to its form, it is ambiguous and invites you by lowering the area into its interior. Thanks to the form used, the facility is accessible to people with motor disabilities. A ramp leads to the building, while communication runs all around the building. The interior is divided into four parts, one of which leads directly to the pool without any steps. The other three have different surface heights. Being in the middle of the temple you can experience peace of mind, nostalgia, rest for the body. It is a place for relaxation and reflection. It allows you to cut yourself off from everyday life, the hustle and bustle of the city and the excess of stimuli. Light rays affect the positive perception of space by each recipient. In addition, the pool enriches the interior and in combination with light effects creates a mystical atmosphere. The form of the object evaluates the most important elements in the landscape. It does not impose itself with its form, it is an addition that completes the park space.