The Unity Circle: A Sanctuary of Shared Spirituality

With the advancements in technology, humans have been able to effortlessly connect with each other virtually. However, it is now time to rebuild our physical connections. People yearn to come together, driven by shared beliefs and values, with the ultimate goal of achieving harmony. In this regard, our aspiration is to establish a prayer space in Vietnam, a country known for its diverse religious landscape, where citizens can gather and find unity. This prayer hall will serve as a harmonious sanctuary. The circle, known for its inherent harmony, devoid of corners or edges, symbolizes the design of this sacred space. As a large circle gradually contracts or as we move from the outer periphery toward the center, we gradually draw closer to one another, fostering a sense of togetherness.

The plaza area, located on the ground floor, is designed to be used by all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. It includes a small restaurant that provides an indoor space for citizens to rest and gather.

The gently sloping stairs and the height, slightly below 5 meters, create a welcoming atmosphere rather than a constricting one.

In summary, the space on the ground is a multifunctional, open, and inclusive space that provides people with a place to gather, communicate，becoming an integral part of the community.

Prayers of different religions passed through the children playing and citizens resting and walked through the stairs to the indoor prayer space underground, where light passed through the skylight and shone on the white concrete walls. They walked in prayer hall gently, their footsteps resonating against the walls, creating a symphony of unity and diversity.

In this circular space, a harmonious blend of reverence and privacy prevailed. Although the prayers couldn’t visually witness each other’s devotion, their collective presence filled the air, intertwined with the subtle sounds of breathing and hushed whispers of devotion. The shared silence resonated with the profound spirituality that transcended the boundaries of individual faiths, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and mutual respect.

As the prayers went into the atrium, these individuals from diverse backgrounds and faiths found themselves seated together, basking in the warm embrace of sunlight streaming through the circular aperture above. In this sacred space, the prayers transcended the boundaries of never knowing each other or harboring animosity. They now shared a common space, bathed in the same sunlight, united in their devotion.

Initially, there might have been silence, as each individual immersed themselves in their own prayers. However, as time elapsed—days, weeks, months, or even years—the barriers began to crumble, and preconceptions gave way to understanding. Gradually, they opened their hearts and minds, forging connections that went beyond religious differences. The prayer hall became a sanctuary where believers found solace, a place where the convergence of faith and humanity unfolded. It served as a testament to the power of inclusivity, where people of all beliefs, or even no religious affiliation at all, could come together in reverence and mutual understanding.

Through this sacred journey, prayers from diverse religious backgrounds merged, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. The unity of their intentions and the shared space transcended any differences, allowing them to collectively immerse themselves in a transcendent realm where individual prayers coalesced into a harmonious symphony of collective spirituality.