A temple among the trees
For James Jing Yi Jiang, the architect who designed the temple, understanding the relationship between the land and those who gather on it became an essential part of the design process.
Earlier this year, Mr. Jiang visited the site with Jordan Bighorn, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Bob Watts, both of indigenous heritage. The three gathered around a fire, offered prayers, and reflected on the land and its history from indigenous perspectives, deepening their understanding of the site’s cultural significance.
“As I recall my first time listening to Jordan’s prayer, even without knowing the language, I could feel the forest and the wind moving through the music,” said Mr. Jiang. “It convinced me that the temple should not simply sit on this landscape but must feel as though it has always been a part of it.”
That impression of wind is reflected in the gently twisting, rising panels of the temple. Seen from a distance, the form appears serene and tranquil; as visitors approach and move around it, its curves reveal a subtle sense of motion.