Main Building

    Main building= meditative corridor+ big chapel+ small chapel
    At first, I decided the meditative corridor and used it to command overall sections. Chapels are in both side of this central corridor.

    But there was a same problem about this design. It was that they do not have the same architectural language. So, I used two short corridor to connect chapels to central meditative corridor. They are the same elements. Besides, in the end of each corridor, there is a window or open door.  And light come through these windows and door, guiding visitors to arrive at destinations.

Water Temple and Small Meditative Space (Columbarium)

    I try to find the principle to design meditative space. So, I researched many cases about meditation, such as, Yoga space, SPA, Tea house, etc. But, the result is abstract. Kengo Kuma said, in traditional Japanese meditative space, people chase the blankness, because empty room makes people to think more. It is philosophical.

    Joe told me there is no principle to design meditative space and even a toilet stall can be a meditative space, because when people close the door, they have their own world. It is a pretty interesting idea.

    Then, I found a case study called "Water Temple" which is a small space. With a turn, this space is dramatic. Designer hide the beauty behind the corner, giving visitors surprise. This way is similar to James Turrell's.

  Next, I organized my small meditative space(actually, they are also columbaria) again, using Turrell's way to hide the beauty and create the contrast of darkness and brightness.

    However, the big meditative space did not use same architectural language. So, I re-organized them again. I used 5 small room to do meditative space.

   

Meditation Space

  Through a case study, Cemetery Complex, in Italy, I found 3 points about the meditation space.

  1. James Turrell: frame the light 

  2. Symbolic artworks

  3. Extend the space, give people a sense of extension via the perspective.

  I try to do my meditation space. It is a long and closed space. In the first part of this space, it is dark then people will encounter a bright and broad space. Use dark and bright to form a comparison.

Skyspace, James Turrell

  Today's visiting is a warm-up of future study. We visited the York Sculpture Park and Wakefiled's museum. Compared with David Chipperfield's work( THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD), I prefer the James Turrell's skyspace, because his work is simpler and purer.
  I took this photo in James's architectural installation. The square skylight lets me feel something about the religion.

  This skylight makes the sky become more closed. Before I come to here, I cannot image that I can appreciate the sky in this way.In UK, due to the high latitude, the sky is really different from my country. It is very blue, clear and changeable and clouds move fast.
  You know, some designers always say, we hope people can enjoy the slow life and love the nature. I think, it is like the hollow slogan. But in this installation, I felt to be at the bottom of the ocean of air. Besides, I cannot control my potential consciousness, it wants meditation. I just want to seat down and watch the sky. As James said, create an experience of wordless thought.
  James Turrell also did many skyspaces in the world. He is interested in light.

  He use the concept of the "skyspace" design a temple hotel in Beijing. The skylight is combined with the theme perfectly. Normally, meditation space tends to be experimental. However, James's works show the possibility of connecting the spirit with buildings.

James Turrell's official website:
http://jamesturrell.com/