Introduction

This project, titled Sacred Spaces, is an exploration of Buddhist temple architecture, where cultural traditions, regional factors, and environmental details come together to shape religious spaces. Through the lens of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan the aim of this project was to explore how these elements interplay within a shared religious tradition. The final product is three intricately engraved wooden blocks replicating the Buddhist temples of Ruwanwelisaya, Wat Non-Khum, and Kinkaku-Ji; accompanied by a magazine showcasing the historical and architectural details of each temple and region. 

Literature Review

The article, “The Three Different Paths of Buddhism” by Namchak News served as a key resource in emphasizing the distinct manifestations of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan. Sri Lanka mainly practices Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on personal enlightenment and the importance of individual motivation. Similarly, Thailand practices a branch of Theravada Buddhism called Thai Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes self-reliance and personal discipline. Finally, Japan's majority practices Shingon Buddhism which centers around esoteric rituals, blending Buddhist teaching with indigenous beliefs and practices. These three countries showcase the multifaceted nature of Buddhism, and despite these differences, all three traditions share a commitment to the core teachings of Buddha. 

Furthermore, the article “Journey to the East - Buddhist Art Across Cultures” by Marina Kochetkova provided a solid foundation in Buddhist art, empathizing with the subtle details that distinguish each country. For instance, Sri Lanka’s artistry is mainly influenced by Indian and Southeast Asian motifs, displaying a sense of timelessness and spiritual transcendence. In contrast, Thailand stands out with its intricate details and vibrant colors, mirroring the vitality of Thai cultural heritage. Lastly, Japanese artistry is characterized by its minimalist details and harmonious integration with nature; embodying the zen philosophy of simplicity and enlightenment.  

Methods

This project used four main methods: Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and VLS machine. Procreate was used to create the initial designs of each temple (Ruwanwelisaya, Wat Non-Khum, and Kinkaku-Ji). Through multiple drafts, these designs were perfected and then transferred to Adobe Illustrator to meet the requirements of the VLS machine. For instances, the stroke width of all designs has to be .001 on the design; furthermore, to raster cut the wood the color of the line had to be a pure blue (0,0,255), however to engrave the wood the line had to be a pure red (255,0,0). After the designs met the requirements they were transferred to the Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.6.0 (laser cutter) located at Sandbox in Irbe to be printed. Lastly, to accompany the three wooden blocks a magazine was made using Canva to display all of the research and findings in a compelling way. 

Audience & Impact

The main audience for this project was individuals intrigued by architecture, cultural studies, and religious traditions and how those three subjects can intersect. By showcasing the similarities and differences between the same religion but different cultures the goal of this project was to educate the audience on the universality of religious experience while celebrating diversity. 

References

Namchak News. "The Three Different Paths of Buddhism." Accessed via [provide URL], 2023.

Kochetkova, Marina. "Journey to the East - Buddhist Art Across Cultures." Accessed via [provide URL], 2022.

Acknowledgments

I want to acknowledge the amazing staff at Sandbox in Irbe for not only encouraging me to learn about the different machines but also motivating me to try different skills in my general work and my project. Furthermore, I want to say a special thanks to my faculty advisors, Heather and Harold, and my peers for their valuable guidance and constructive feedback throughout this project.