Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Mark Fromson
Last month, Burning Man 2025 once again hosted a range of experimental architectural installations. Set in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, the festival opened on August 24th and concluded on September 1st.
Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Mark Fromson
Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Mark Fromson
The architectural centerpiece of the 2025 edition was the Temple of the Deep, designed by Spanish architect and artist Miguel Arraiz Garcia. Constructed entirely from untreated Oregon pine, the temple was assembled on-site over an 18-day period beginning in early August.
Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Noel Arraiz
Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Noel Arraiz
Fabricated off-site in Oakland, California, the modular timber structure was shipped in sections to the Black Rock Desert. The fragmented form of the temple, intended to symbolize a broken heart cracked open, was engineered to withstand harsh desert conditions while serving as a space for reflection and ritual.
Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Espresso Buzz
Temple of the Deep. Image credit: Espresso Buzz
On August 31st, the temple was ceremonially burned. Open fissures in the structure were designed to allow air, light, and eventually fire to move freely through the volume, while the use of untreated materials ensured the burn remains environmentally safe and aligns with Burning Man’s sustainability commitments. The scheme also included the building of a temporary solar array to power tools and lighting, reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Our Ouroboros. Image courtesy: Youtian Duan
Our Ouroboros. Image courtesy: Youtian Duan
Other major installations for 2025 included Our Ouroboros, a glowing, inflatable sculpture by artists Youtian Duan and Kai Zhang. The climbable structure responded to human touch with pulsating light, forming an interactive loop that symbolized transformation and unity through a trefoil-knot design.
Our Ouroboros. Image courtesy: Youtian Duan
Our Ouroboros. Image courtesy: Youtian Duan
The festival’s architectural lineup also included SsssWhirlwind by Amy Charbonneau, also known as CreARTive Warrior. The installation combined the chaos of a whirlwind and the wisdom of a snake together, symbolizing the power of cycles and transformation. “The idea speaks to the spirals of mental health and the ability to remain anchored as your own eye of calm through any upheaval and the uncomfortable process of shedding outdated skins through continuous transformative events in our lives,” the team added.
SsssWhirlWind. Image courtesy: Amy Charbonneau
SsssWhirlWind. Image courtesy: Amy Charbonneau
Similar articles on Archinect that may interest you…