Weekly Journal 02

Progress and Findings

During my holiday trip to Thailand, I was given chance to pay a visit to some famous Buddhist temples. Here are the brief summary of the information I have obtained.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiangmai

Photo taken from Google Image

About

The wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That is located near the top of Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep). The temple is simply referred to as Doi Suthep by most people. It is a major pilgrimage destinations during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak. Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383, architecture, statues and murals seen here are nothing short of breathtaking.

Highlights

The great chedi/ golden spire

Photo taken during site visit

Steep flight of 300 stairs guarded by 16th century Naga figures

Photo taken during site visit

A short video taken there. Let's experience together!

White Temple, Chiangrai

Photo taken from Google Image

About

Perhaps the most unique temple in the Kingdom of Thailand, White Temple was born from the devotion of National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. A deeply devout Buddhist famed primarily for his religious-themed paintings, Chalermchai began the White Temple in 1997. Wat Rong Khun however is no traditional temple. Chalermchai re-imagines Thai art for the modern world. As you move through the temple grounds, you find yourself in the artist’s surreal vision of Buddhist teachings. Fantastical sculptures and architecture cover the landscape.

Highlights

The bridge of "the cycle of rebirth"
- proclaim that the way to happiness by is by foregoing temptation, greed, and desire.

Photo taken during site visit

A short video recorded on the bridge.

Gate of Heaven
- guarded by two creatures representing Death and Rahu, who decide the fate of the dead.

Photo taken during site visit

The Golden Building
- the rest room building

Photo taken during site visit

Now here are the brief information of mosques and temple in Malaysia. I have done some changes of places chosen to have a variety of religious buildings.

Crystal Mosque, Terengganu

Photo taken from Google Image

About

Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful mosques, Crystal Mosque is a stunning architecture made of steel and glass, which gives the mosque its crystal-like appearance. This unique structure adopts a contemporary style injected with Moorish and Gothic elements. A large crystal chandelier forms the main prayer hall’s centrepiece.

Highlights

Dome

There is a main large dome rooftop and multiple smaller domes, all made of glass and steel which presents a crystal-like look.

Colour Change

Based on my observation, the exterior appearance of Crystal Mosque changed with the weather.

The first photo was taken on a sunny day and the sky was blue, so was the mosque. Its colour was sharp and clear. 

The second photo was taken on a cloudy day and the sky was grey and blurry, so was the mosque. Its colour was muddy and light.

     Photos taken during site visit

Floating Mosque, Terengganu

Photo taken from Google Image

Situated within the Kuala Ibai Lagoon near the estuary of Kuala Ibai River,  floating mosque combines Modern and Moorish architectural styles, symbolising innovation and modernisation in the state. Built on a five-acre reclaimed land, its pure white structure incorporates the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic tiles and bomanite paving.Two pedestrian bridges connect the mosque to the land on both sides. Its most outstanding feature is its 125-feet-tall minaret.

Highlights

Photo taken during site visit

Floating

The mosque was constructed on the river water, which makes it unique and it presents a great view on the horizon dividing the sky and the river.

Photo taken during site visit

Tall Minaret

A 125 feet tall minaret built is the main feature of Floating Mosque.

For the rest of the religious places, I plan to visit them during my next trip to Penang in the next couple of days. They include:

Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan, Penang

Photo taken from Google Image

Penang Hill Hindu Temple, is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. It started off in the 1800's as a small shrine to the Hindu deity Murugan - the deity associated with Thaipusam - by the Indian sepoys and sedan chair carriers, and is located at a mount within Penang Hill called Gun Hill. A trident, or Murugan Vel, was installed there by the devotees. Over the years, it was enlarged and rebuilt. The present-day incarnation of the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is a very ornate Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style of South India.

Church of The Assumption, Penang

Photo taken from Google Image

Founded in 1786 when Captain Francis Light first came to Penang. It is located in Farquhar Street, George Town, within the heritage core zone of the city. This church was the seat of the bishop of Penang from 1955 to 2003 and it is also a World Heritage Church.

Wesley Methodist Church, Penang

Photo taken from Google Image

The oldest Methodist Church in Malaysia. The English- style church building was dedicated by Bishop W.P. Eveland on 26 November 1912 and was named the FitzGerald Memorial Church building, after the late Bishop James M. FitzGerald and his daughter Cornelia FitzGerald.

Coffee Table Book

A book, usually pictorial/photo book for display on a table intended for use in an area in which one would entertain guests and from which it can act to inspire conversation.

For this project, I plan to create 

- a minimalist style book: to put the focus on its titles and features

- hard cover: looks solid and professional

- landscape orientation: most of the photos would be in horizontal

- black or white background: simple and modern

Concept
- Close up of elements of architectural design (arches, ornaments, roof etc)
- All places arranged separately in sequence (4 pages for each building)

Some inspiration