Wong Dai Sin Temple | |
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General information | |
Architectural style | |
Address | 378 Steeles Ave E, Thornhill, ON L3T 0E7 1 |
Town or city | Markham, ON |
Country | Canada |
Coordinates | 43°48′20″N79°23′11″E / 43.80556°N 79.38639°E |
Technical details | |
Floor area | 3271 ft² |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | Brigitte Shim |
The Wong Dai Sin Temple is a Taoist temple located in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It was designed by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects and completed in 2015 to provide a new home for The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism, a group dedicated to their inner spiritual growth via the ancient physical practice of tai chi. [1] [2] The temple was specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs and unique practices of The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Society while also reflecting the modern and contemporary world of its members. [2] [3]
The Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Society's practices are based in Taoism, and are represented in the temple's architecture. Similar to a well-executed tai chi position, the building's asymmetry and balance symbolize the harmony and balance of the universe according to Taoism and the balance of energy (chi and yin yang). The temple's daring floating one-story structure is one of the boldest gestures of architecture in the area, [4] and rises above the ground on a small number of rectangular columns that are suspended several meter's above the ground. [1] It is supported by one of the longest pre-stressed concrete cantilevers in North America.
The Canadian Architect (2016) lauded the elegance and refinement of the temple's design and layout, among other publications. According to Hume (2015), [4] the temple is also raising the bar for Markham's architecture. Several awards, including the Governor General's Awards in Architecture, a prestigious award in Canada that recognizes remarkable performance in the field of architecture[9], [1] have been given in recognition of the buildings daring and impressive architectural achievements. Azure Magazine (2016) also recognizes Wong Dai Sin Temple as the 2016 AZ Awards Winner for Outstanding Architecture Under 1000 Square Meters, [3] the RAIC (2016) exhibits the work of Governor General's Medal winners.
The Wong Dai Sin Temple was constructed to benefit the people of Markham, Ontario, and to offer a place of worship for devotees of the Chinese god Wong Tai Sin. The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism's religious principles and the contemporary lifestyle of its followers are reflected in the modern design and ancient practices of tai chi and worship at the temple. The temples proposition was strongly opposed by protests from nearby residents and Markham officials, which meant taking the buildings proposal to the Ontario Municipal Board to get it approved. [4] With its intentional use of colour, amplification of natural light, and dedication to a carefully selected palette of materials, the temple is a modern rendition of the old Wong Tai Sin Temples seen in other regions of the world.
For devotees of the Chinese god Wong Tai Sin, the Wong Dai Sin Temple is a holy location where rituals, meditation, and other spiritual activities are performed. One such spiritual activity is tai chi, which doubly serves as meditative and exercise to increase mobility and strength in the predominantly senior user base of the temple.
The temple grounds serves as both a parking lot and a covered outdoor area for neighborhood events [5] and tai chi practice. Along with Taoism the temple also serves the practice and learning of Buddhism and Confucianism. [4] A memorial room remembering ancestors is located in the temple's prayer hall. It has bamboo plaques and places for worshippers to lay offerings and ignite incense. [6] [7] Large rings of incense are supported by circular motorized skylights and red light monitors, which adjust natural light and are employed in Taoist chanting and prayer rituals. [4] [3]
Using cast-in-place concrete, the Wong Dai Sin Temple is able to accomplish difficult angular geometries without the use of extra cladding or framework. The asymmetry and balancing of the structure resemble a controlled tai chi position. The primary and minor cantilevers, which are supported on thin concrete piers and exhibit asymmetry and counterbalance while preserving equilibrium, are visible on the south elevation. [6] The floating structure of the temple also allows it to free up more space for activities at the temple such as tai chi, and adding additional parking space. The building's north and south facades are covered with vertical fins made of curved weathering steel that regulate views from the inside out. These panels angle according to the suns path to keep the inside of the temple at a constant dim and diffused lighting condition, creating a calm place for worship and ritual. Additional lighting is created through the use of skylights that double as light fixtures. The angular and simple shape language of the Wong Dai Sin Temple, in tandem with its massive concrete and steel exterior have principles rooted in the architectural style of modernism, which gives the temple a contemporary edge to match its setting. [1]
The Wong Dai Sin Temple's design earned recognition through The Governor General's Medals in Architecture, a prestigious award in Canada that recognizes excellence in architecture. [5] This award is considered an influential force in shaping the built environment in Canada and raising the profile of Canadian architecture both nationally and internationally. [3] [7] Azure Magazine (2016) recognizes Wong Dai Sin Temple as the 2016 AZ Awards Winner for Outstanding Architecture Under 1000 Square Meters as well. [3]
Taoism or Daoism is a diverse philosophical and religious tradition indigenous to China, emphasizing harmony with the Tao—generally understood as an impersonal, enigmatic process of transformation ultimately underlying reality. The concept originates in the Chinese word 道. Although Taoism has no simple definitions, possible translations of Tao include 'way', 'road', and 'technique'. Taoist thought has informed the development of various practices within the Taoist tradition and beyond, including forms of meditation, astrology, qigong, feng shui, and internal alchemy. A common goal of Taoist practice is self-cultivation, a deeper appreciation of the Tao, and more harmonious existence. Taoist ethics vary, but generally emphasize such virtues as effortless action, naturalness, simplicity, and the three treasures of compassion, frugality, and humility.
Wong Tai Sin District is one of the 18 districts of Hong Kong. It is the only landlocked district in Hong Kong. It is located in Kowloon, and is the northernmost district in Kowloon. It borders the districts of Kwun Tong to its southeast, Kowloon City to its southwest, Sai Kung to its east, and Sha Tin to its north.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is a well known shrine and tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong. The 18,000 m2 (190,000 sq ft) Taoist temple is famed for the many prayers answered: "What you request is what you get" (有求必應) via a practice called kau chim. The temple is located on the southern side of Lion Rock in the north of Kowloon.
Wong Tai Sin or Huang Daxian is a Chinese Taoist deity popular in Jinhua, Zhejiang, and Hong Kong with the power of healing. The name, meaning the "Great Immortal Wong (Huang)", is the divine form of Huang Chuping or Wong Cho Ping, a Taoist hermit from Jinhua during the Eastern Jin dynasty.
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Taoism in Singapore is the religion of about 8.8% of the country's entire population as per the 2020 census. The definition of "Taoism" in the country is included as part of the wider Chinese folk religion. In general, nearly all adherents of Taoism in Singapore are associated with the mainstream Zhengyi school. Larger proportion of older residents adhere to Taoism, as compared with those in younger age groups.
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Religion in Hong Kong is characterised by a multi-faith diversity of beliefs and practices.
Moy Lin-shin was a Taoist monk, teacher and tai chi instructor who founded The Taoist Tai Chi Society, the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism and the Gei Pang Lok Hup Academy.
Religion in Taiwan is characterised by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices, predominantly those pertaining to the continued preservation of the ancient Chinese culture and religion. Freedom of religion is inscribed in the constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The majority of Taiwanese people practice a combination of Buddhism and Taoism often with a Confucian worldview, which is collectively termed as Chinese folk religion.
Chuk Yuen or Chuk Un was a village and an area in New Kowloon of Hong Kong. The area located in the approximate area of present-day Wong Tai Sin. The name now also refers to two public housing estates, Chuk Yuen North and Chuk Yuen South Estates.
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Articles related to Hong Kong include:
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Wong Tai Sin Temple may refer to:
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