A Cultural Center, Bhutan
Year: 3, Semester 5
Brief: To design a cultural center for the Rinpung Dzong.
Site: Paro, Bhutan
Site Plan
I viewed my entire impression of Bhutan as a movement: not just physical, but as a progression of my thoughts and understanding, while still having a history very much rooted in the past. Movement of the flags on the mountain peaks, movement of the prayer wheel, the flow of the water in the streams running past, people circumambulating around structures, the symbolism of it stood out to me.
Site concept and analysis sketches themed "Transition"
The journey to get to a point is significant in Bhutanese philosophy. Similar to the raised thresholds, it symbolizes overcoming obstacles and clearly defines the act of entering into a new space. This transition zone allows the person to reflect on the journey and prepares them to receive the space into which they will soon enter.
While designing my structure, i wanted to ensure that the transition from one level to the next is done through long, sweeping corridors that open into the outside, much like journeying through the mountains, which reflect the natural landscape of Bhutan.
Analysis of site in regards to Bhutanese philosophy
Circumambulation is considered as the spiritual transition from daily life to spiritual perfection, as a journey through different stages. Clockwise movement is also said to be in the direction of the sun, as it moves from east to west through the day.
On site, I regarded the placement of the gates as points on the sun’s course, with the four directions representing four deeds. These follow the path of the life of Buddha: East for Birth, South for Enlightenment, West for Setting in motion the wheel of Dharma, and North for the Final Liberation. While there was no threshold on the east of site, it opened into the Paro Chu river, which is a symbol of life, or birth.
Deriving the form from the Wheel of Life and Wind Rose diagram of Paro
Roof Plan
Design sheet
Physical model
