A sanctuary in nature
For James Jing Yi Jiang, the architect behind the temple, grasping how the land connects with its visitors was a key aspect of creating the design.
Earlier this year, Mr. Jiang joined a small group of architects at the site alongside Jordan Bighorn and Bob Watts, both members of the National Spiritual Assembly with Indigenous backgrounds. They gathered around a fire, shared prayers, and reflected on the land’s history from Indigenous viewpoints, enriching their appreciation for the site’s cultural importance.
“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 feeling of wind is captured in the gently twisting, rising panels of the temple. From afar, its shape appears calm and peaceful; as visitors get closer and move around it, its curves convey a subtle sense of movement.
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