Friday, June 5, 2020

Komyoji Interiors


The main hall of Komyoji Temple in Saijo on Shikoku is entered through a glass corridor that traverses the poolof water surrounding the building. The main construction material is laminated wood. The roof is supported by 16 columns in groups of four.


It was designed by Tadao Ando and he writes that the design evolved but by bit and was influenced heavily by traditional architectural techniques. The result is I think very modern and minimal but certainly retains some feelig of being a traditional temple.


The use of many pieces of wood in the structure of the roof is certainly traditional. However it is much lighter inside than a normal temple.


The interior walls are frosted glass which somewhat mimics the paper screens of tradition,


It is free to enter and would recommend it as an unusual Ando structure. It is a short detour from the Ohenro pilgrimage route that passes through the town.

2 comments: