Nipponzan Myohoji Temple

Design and Construction of the Temple

Design and construction of a Japanese Buddhist Temple at New England Peace Pagoda's site, the religious center for Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order in North America. Inspired by fifth century Indian Buddhist architecture, religious as well as functional needs of the order are incorporated into the planning and building form.

The 10,000 SF three-story monastery contains the main hall and living quarters for the monks and nuns of the order as well as for visitors on retreat. The main hall takes the form of an apsidal basilica, and the end apse houses an altar called Gohonzon, which is master planned with the existing Pagoda in accordance with the religious principles of the order. The horseshoe windows at the portico allow the natural illumination of the nave during the daybreak praying and chanting. The Semi-circular entry plaza is to act as occasional theatrical stage settings. The reinforced concrete building is partially heated by the solar panels, located along the southern façade sized to obtain maximum heat gain with the natural contour of the site.

It is important that ecological as well as religious harmony be sustained on this site. Locality of the project such as the building code, accessibility and other environmental factors are equally important as well. It is also important to note that this building is mostly constructed by the volunteer laborers of different races, nationalities and faiths from all over the world.

Model View

South Elevation

June 2004

East Elevation

In the Beginning

In 1989, ground breaking took place for the new temple construction to replace one that burned in a mysterious November 1987 fire soon after it was completed. Inspired by Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India, the design is an attempt to realize original Buddhist architecture concept, which originated in India between the first and seventh centuries.