AWARDS
RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE / NEW FACILITIES
Shari-la Takamatsu , Japan
UA architects Kanagawa , Japan
Shari-la is a new , modern concrete ossuary in a precinct that is more than 1,300 years old , one of 88 sacred sites in Shikoku . The ossuary name , “ Shari-la ,” means “ bone ” in Sanskrit . The design takes the form of a single “ bone ,” with an interior space of an elongated cave with a slight taper . The Buddha with its altar is placed at the far end of the room . Repeated cedar frames as “ gates ” and “ worm lights ” like candles distinguish the interior . Cinerary altars are placed between each of the frames . Along the way to worship , the caved space narrows then expands gradually to the Buddha statue . The proportions of the gate frames also change along with the gradation . Each visitor ’ s experience of passing through space is the main focal point during worship .
Jury Comments Shari-la ossuary stores the bones of deceased ancestors for visitations and venerations and is sensitive to the surrounding traditional architecture yet abstract at the same time . The building ’ s craftsmanship is stunning , and it creates a “ journey ” through time and space as part of the pilgrimage process .
Japan Art Graphic Photography
Saint Nicholas Temple Complex Naberezhnye Chelny , Russia
Architectural Bureau MARH Moscow , Russia
Saint Nicholas Temple Complex is a collection of sacred buildings that are a symbolic revival of a demolished church . The historic complex includes three buildings — the main temple , the memorial temple , and a rectory . The main temple is a cross-domed building with an additional side-chapel . The parish hall is located on the second floor , accessed via a staircase at the temple ’ s corner , leading to the complex ’ s main gates . The entrance is marked by a deep alcove decorated with frescoes to greet visitors . The complex ’ s outer walls are of whitewashed brick ; roofs and domes are covered with sheet metal . The temple ’ s whole image is inspired by the Pskov and Novgorod architecture school — known for its reserved solemnity and stoic simplicity . The new temple is near the historic part of the city .
Jury Comments Saint Nicholas Temple Complex is a beautiful tribute to traditional Russian ecclesiastical architecture . This new complex of religious buildings creates an instant landmark in its city . The quality of design and construction is impressive , as are the urbanistic relationships between the complex structures .
Photo by Architectural Bureau MARH
18 SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2021