Temple Architecture

History of Temple Designs

Introduction

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum building design was conceptualised and designed by Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM, aided by a team of local and overseas consultants. Many draft designs were developed on the basis of combining the best arts and culture of the great Tang Dynasty of China, with the principles of the Buddhist Mandala, as its core design philosophy. A great amount of research had been made to ensure their accuracy and authenticity.

Golden Mandala Buddhist Temple (1997)

In early 1997, Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM was approached by Singapore Tourism Board(STB) to develop a proposal for a temple at Sago Lane, on rear half of the vacant site.

Given the short notice, a draft proposal was submitted 4 days later for the Golden Mandala Buddhist Temple, based on the principles of the Buddhist mandala and taking into account the needs of tourists visiting the temple. As space was a constraint, the building would have a modern, high-rise design and numerous facilities.

This proposal was not developed further.

Gajah Ratna Buddhist Temple (1998)

Subsequently in early 1998, we were again approached by Singapore Tourism Board(STB) to develop a traditional Chinese temple and opera stage for the entire Sago Lane vacant site, so as to blend into the Chinatown landscape.

By April 1998, we submitted a comprehensive proposal, with detailed architectural plans for the Gajah Ratna Buddhist Temple. This proposal included various facilities, activities and events to be organized for both locals and tourists.

This proposal was not adopted by STB.

With the gift of the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic from the late Venerable Cakkapala of the Bandula Monastery in Myanmar and the success of its exhibition held in 2002 at Suntec City in Singapore, it was clear to all that the existing Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple premises would be inadequate to house and exhibit the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic for public veneration. Thus, Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM was very determined to secure the vacant Sago Lane site for the construction of a new temple and planning began soon after.

About Dharma Lotus Blossom Retreat

Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM soon realised that the two earlier proposed designs based on the Golden Mandala Buddhist Temple in 1996 (Version 1) and the Gajah Ratna Buddhist Temple in April 1998 (Version 2) were unsuitable as they were inadequate to meet the needs of accommodating the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic for veneration and also, not in line with the style to be adopted in its Chinatown locality.

Hence, he began to research and review the various traditional Chinese temple architectures. He scoured libraries, book stores and the internet for materials to spark inspiration and make improvements to his ideas. It was only whilst he was in seclusion at the Dharma Retreat, away from his daily work commitments, that he found his vision.

Version 3

In January 2003, due to the urgency to create a suitable temple design, he met and articulated his vision of “a golden temple” to Mr Tan Yen San, a local architect. The main components and facilities were discussed and a rough sketch was made for further development.

In February 2003, the design of a modern temple with glass walls (version 3) was presented to Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM. As it was deemed too contemporary, he wanted it changed to retain a more traditional Chinese temple look mainly for it to blend well with the vibrancy and heritage of the Chinatown locality.

Version 4

In April, another building design (Version 4) was produced but it still did not portray sufficient traditional Chinese features.

Version 5

Subsequently, a postgraduate student from China who was doing his Masters of Architecture course at the National University of Singapore was recruited. He assisted in incorporating the various elements selected by Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM, developed a more Oriental aesthetic design and presented a three-dimensional drawing (version 5). However, it was not what was envisaged.

Version 6

The search for the ideal temple plan continued and it led to trips to China to look for architects who specialised in traditional Chinese temple designs. In May 2003, the Changshu Architectural Company was approached to develop the design for Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. They built a scale model to study the building features and specifications. Their proposed style of the roof and exterior design was modelled after a southern Chinese style architecture (version 6). However, Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM preferred a traditional northern Chinese look.

Version 7

The Beijing architectural firm, Landscape Architecture Corporation of China (LACC) was appointed next to improve on the design. After several meetings, LACC drew up a proportionately balanced traditional timbered facade (version 7).

Version 8

As the models of the proposed roof and exteriors leaned towards a less preferred Ming dynasty design, the architects were directed to replace them with an ancient Tang dynasty architecture for its roof and timber structures (version 8), all in accordance with the wishes of Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM.

Version 9

The conceived design when shown on a three-dimensional drawing was not very appealing due to the original timber colour of its external façade. It was obvious that its dull colour would not make the temple prominent in the Chinatown urban landscape. After further studies on Tang dynasty temples in China and Japan, it was decided that traditional red lacquer paint be applied on the timber structures, with green colour for the timber windows and gold colour to define the edges. This version 9 gained Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao’s approval and a final scale model was created.

Version 10 : Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

This final design was used for the construction planning of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum – a temple which embraced the traditional Chinese design with modern facilities and state-of-the-art architecture. It took many months of research and amendments before the vision was conceptualized. This was only made possible by the tremendous effort, cooperation and creativity of Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM and the project team, as well as various contractors and suppliers.

The result is a testimony to the tremendous effort, cooperation and creativity of Venerable Chao Khun Fa Zhao_BBM and the hardworking consultants' team, as well as various contractors and suppliers.