Location: Tuyen Lam lake, Dalat city, Vietnam

Footprint: 19,104 sqft

Total area: 76,415 sqft

In Buddhist philosophy, the water lily and Lotus symbolize enlightenment and purification. They grow from shallow, muddy water, but their beautiful, clean appearance and delicate fragrance contrast their environment. It’s a metaphor for transforming our minds and hearts, just as the lotus transforms from muddy water to a beautiful flower.

Our project attempts to convey this philosophy through a tranquil architectural space where people can engage with Buddhist art and get exposed to self-reflection practice and Buddhist norms. Moreover, the project strives to design an environment that slows people down to contemplate the beautiful nature and be aware of their fundamental solitudes. The building is designed with sustainability in design and use of materials. Furthermore, we research: What is the importance of meditation and its impact on mental health? How can we utilize the biostructure of a water lily as part of the architecture? And how do you create a skin around the building that directs light to areas at all times?