Famensa is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China; it reached its heyday in the Tang dynasty (7-9 centuries). Near the historical complex at the beginning of the 21st century. a modern one was built, including an almost 150-meter dagoba (stupa) Namaste. It contains the relics of Famensa, newly acquired in 1987, among them - the finger of the Buddha. Many pilgrims flock to worship this and other shrines. A meditation center was conceived for them, and the OAC (Office for Architectural Culture) bureau won the competition for its design.
The new ensemble (plot area 1.25 million m2, total building area 300 thousand m2) will be located next to the modern part of the sanctuary and includes, among other things, an extension of the ceremonial square in front of Dagoba Namaste.
The project was attended by the artists Yomei Chian and Philip Deveaux, who created 10 installations for the Forest of the Eightfold Path (an area of 550,000 km2): believers and ordinary visitors walking along it, without noticing it, plunge into a meditative state and at the same time comprehend eight rules this path to liberation from suffering.
Also planned are the Interactive Museum of Buddhist Culture with an auditorium for 1500 spectators and the Zen Ecological Museum, combined with the energy center of the complex: it is dedicated to the ecological principles of the Buddhist religion, but intended for the widest audience in need of eco-education.
The complex will include scriptorium halls for rewriting manuscripts, spaces for joint meditation (the largest - for 500 people), 13 "huts" for meditation.
In addition, commercial facilities are envisaged: zen spa, club corporate buildings, an apart-hotel and a 5 * hotel, as well as themed restaurants.
Construction of the first phase of the project should begin in the 2nd half of 2013.
N. F.
