Woods Bagot Projects

Bridged Learning

Buddhist Education Centre Takes Cues from Religion’s Teachings

Nan Tien Education and Cultural Centre

Civic and Events

AU

The Nan Tien Education and Cultural Centre is a tertiary facility and multicultural art gallery in Wollongong, Australia. Situated opposite of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere, the new building sits on the former site of a landfill bought by the Nan Tien Institute from the council for one Australian dollar.

Project details

Using the Buddhist symbol of the lotus flower as design inspiration, the edifice is comprised of four distinct “pods” that are linked by bridges, allowing for movement throughout the interiors. Keeping in line with the humanistic teachings of Fo Guang Shan, a new Buddhist movement based out of Taiwan, the architecture avoids hierarchy, utilizes a neutral palette, and is void of materialism.

Location
Wollongong, Australia
Client
Fo Guang Shan International Buddhist Association
Size
6,000 square meters
Status
Built
Completion Date
2014
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