Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai
Florence, Italy
TITLE
Architecture competition for the new headquarters of the Italian Buddhist Institute of Soka Gakkai
CLIENT
Soka Gakkai Italia
TYPE OF INTERVENTION
New Building
STATE
2 Prize - Project
Natural elements such as water, light and soil define spaces and atmospheres of transcendence
The New Hall project originates from the ground, integrating with the landscape and organising the void instead of occupying space. The architecture works with the land, creating new landscapes between artifice and nature. The adopted architectural solution emphasises morphological and territorial values, integrating the Hall Complex into a highly integrated landscape system. The roof, a slightly inclined green plane, becomes a hanging garden that blends with the surrounding landscape, reducing visual impact and reconnecting open spaces with the territory. The methodological approach adopts the will not to interfere with the landscape balance, placing the building about four metres below the road level to avoid obstructing the view towards Florence. The external spaces for meditation open towards the garden through an inclined plane, integrating with the system of meeting places of the complex.
The hall overlooks a Japanese Garden with a water feature and a walkway, representing harmony between Man and Nature, offering a place for meditation and peace. This garden, together with the Olive Garden on the roof, symbolises Italian and Japanese culture, expressing the human ambition to reconnect with Nature. From a vegetational perspective, the project respects the historical-landscape context, expanding the parking area and relocating the orchard to a new area. The New Hall, with a capacity of 1100 devotees, is flexible and can be configured in various layouts to host different events. The use of movable panels ensures excellent acoustic insulation, while the equipped walls contain all the technical systems.
In summary, the New Hall project dissolves into the landscape, creating continuity between architecture and nature, expressing a harmonious balance between Man and Territory, and becoming a point of cultural and spiritual convergence for humanity.
Credits
DESIGN ARCHITECTS Guendalina Salimei – Tstudio
Awards
Vincitore al The Plan Award 2019 nella sezione “Public space /Future “ con il progetto “Sala per il culto buddista “ 2019
3D Views
TStudio
Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai
Florence, Italy
TITLE
Architecture competition for the new headquarters of the Italian Buddhist Institute of Soka Gakkai
CLIENT
Soka Gakkai Italia
TYPE OF INTERVENTION
New Building
STATE
2 Prize - Project
Natural elements such as water, light and soil define spaces and atmospheres of transcendence
The New Hall project originates from the ground, integrating with the landscape and organising the void instead of occupying space. The architecture works with the land, creating new landscapes between artifice and nature. The adopted architectural solution emphasises morphological and territorial values, integrating the Hall Complex into a highly integrated landscape system. The roof, a slightly inclined green plane, becomes a hanging garden that blends with the surrounding landscape, reducing visual impact and reconnecting open spaces with the territory. The methodological approach adopts the will not to interfere with the landscape balance, placing the building about four metres below the road level to avoid obstructing the view towards Florence. The external spaces for meditation open towards the garden through an inclined plane, integrating with the system of meeting places of the complex.
The hall overlooks a Japanese Garden with a water feature and a walkway, representing harmony between Man and Nature, offering a place for meditation and peace. This garden, together with the Olive Garden on the roof, symbolises Italian and Japanese culture, expressing the human ambition to reconnect with Nature. From a vegetational perspective, the project respects the historical-landscape context, expanding the parking area and relocating the orchard to a new area. The New Hall, with a capacity of 1100 devotees, is flexible and can be configured in various layouts to host different events. The use of movable panels ensures excellent acoustic insulation, while the equipped walls contain all the technical systems.
In summary, the New Hall project dissolves into the landscape, creating continuity between architecture and nature, expressing a harmonious balance between Man and Territory, and becoming a point of cultural and spiritual convergence for humanity.
Credits
DESIGN ARCHITECTS Guendalina Salimei – Tstudio
Awards
Vincitore al The Plan Award 2019 nella sezione “Public space /Future “ con il progetto “Sala per il culto buddista “ 2019
3D Views
TStudio
Riciputo A., Arcamone S., Torre G., Guendalina Salimei. La cultura della cura condivisa. In: “Social Cohesion” di OFARCH n.158/2022 pp. 52-67.
Salimei, G. La trasformazione come atto di creazione. La Nuova Sala per il culto Buddista – Complesso Villa le Brache. In: Marucci, G. (a cura di), “La nuova architettura”. Di Baio: Milano 2019, pp. 122-125.