

Golden
Arch Design Award
Winner
in
Interior Design Category
'26
Journey Into Zen
Designed by
Chao Ying Chen, Chia Jung Chang, Shu Mei Liu, Yu Lin Lee / C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design
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Journey Into Zen
Cultural Architecture
Taichung City, Taiwan
Chao Ying Chen, Chia Jung Chang, Shu Mei Liu, Yu Lin Lee / C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design

Photo Credits:
C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design
Copyrights:
C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design
This project envisions a vibrant and multifunctional urban center that harmoniously blends religious activities, educational outreach, cultural arts, and public gatherings. Its core mission transcends mere religious ceremonies; it embodies the open and engaging spirit of Humanistic Buddhism. By establishing a dynamic spiritual and cultural platform, the center aspires to weave itself into the fabric of everyday city life.
The reception area serves as a vital transitional hub, seamlessly guiding visitors from the city into the sacred realm of the religious core. The circulation begins at the first-floor plaza, where an expansive semi-outdoor corridor captivates with its towering, relief-carved stone columns. These magnificent columns, arranged in a rhythmic sequence, intricately illustrate Buddhist scriptural narratives, thereby harmonizing artistic expression with architectural elegance. As one navigates through this corridor, the gracefully curved ceilings, enhanced by soft, indirect lighting, diminish the heaviness typically associated with structural elements, fostering an inviting atmosphere that encourages fluid movement.
Upon entering the main hall, visitors will be welcomed by a breathtaking panoramic landscape mural that, combined with the warmth of timber construction, evokes the serene imagery of a “shaded forest corridor.” The longitudinal arrangements skillfully unify functionality and aesthetics, integrating curved ceilings with minimalist grilles while preserving the purity of the space. Finally, as guests approach the antechamber of the main sanctuary, they are greeted by the striking contrast of rough-hewn stone walls against the intricate craftsmanship of finely carved wooden doors. This carefully designed space, with its symmetrical layouts and inward-curving domed canopies, progressively elevates the ceremonial atmosphere, completing a beautiful, layered transition from the bustling external world to the peaceful sanctity of the religious core.









