1. Shelter a congregation
The location would be at the top of a hill in a natural setting. Our design is a geodesic dome as the center piece incorperating three square garden areas. The garden squares are open and form a triangular base, which was one of the symbols repeated in the profiles in the galleries.
Leading up to the building is a nature trail which features streams throughout. The trail symbolizes the journey that one takes through life. The flowing water of the stream represents how life constantly changes in our search for peace and a higher power. The trail would lead to the main entrance of the building which would run into a fountain just inside. The path continues through the building and splits to go outside and into various nature areas.
The walking path would branch an open air amphitheater. Again, this would symbolize the journey to finding inner peace and harmony.
2. House sacred objects
In reference to the various religions, we would incorporate various sacred plants as opposed to specific icons and religious imagery. Trees and shrubs such as Balboa trees for African cultures as described below, both frankincense and myrrh to represent the Jewish and Christian religions, henna for the Hindu, Zoraster, and Buddhist religions would be planted along the trail. The Japanese cherry trees for the Shinto religion would be planted in the gardens and the building. In some African cultures the Balboa tree represents the Tree of Life, which is comparable to the biblical Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Some the smaller plants would be placed in the gardens next to each other to show that coexistence of ideas and religions are possible.
3. Incorporate Elements of Nature
In addition to having gardens outside we would have plants throughout the building itself. The land surrounding the dome would be cultivated and planted with bamboo in the central gardens at the entrance representing the Asian religions. Bamboo, Plum and Pine trees are used in several religious philosophies including those of Confucius, Taoism and Buddhism. These three plants represent the Three Friends of Winter who are faithful to each other through difficult times, and are said to represent each of these great philosophers. Although these plants are specific to these religions, people have come to incorporate these plants into their own faith.
4. Sites for Repeated Religious Celebrations
Our area would be open for various religions to celebrate events – Easter, the Moon Celebration, Chinese New Year, etc. The design of the structure with the dome and the open gardens can be used for weddings, festivals and different type of religious celebrations. With the various walking paths, and tranquility type gardens people can use these areas for small or large groups to worship and celebrate their individual religious rites.
5. Incorporate Symbolic Geometry in Their Dimensions or the Determination of Their Location
The glass in the Geodesic dome would be clear to be as universal as possible. This would allow the light to shine in to provide food and sunlight to the plants which would represent growth and knowledge.
6. Incorporate the Concept of Journey or are a Destination for Pilgrims.
People would arrive at the base of the hill and would walk or hike up a path or trail to get to the place of worship. This would represent the pilgrimage similar to the journeys to Mecca or Jerusalem.
