With the emergence of modernism in architecture new temples were built to accommodate the new age. Some of these modernist temples are built for private use while others are for the whole community.
Here are some of the most impressive modernist temples around the world.
Luum Temple
The five-sided open pavilion is located in Tulum, Mexico, and the construction date is 2019. The temple does not belong to a single religion and has programs like yoga, meditation, and communal gatherings. The main aim of the project was to meet people with nature while also protecting the environment. The building is made of bamboo bent on site, screwed, and strapped together.
Temple of Steps
This Hindu temple was designed for the residents around the villages of Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, and was built in 2019. The temple is designed as a ghat which represents a flight of steps leading down to a water body. This feature is a nod to the historical typology present within India, especially in the city of Banaras.
Wong Dai Sin Temple
This Taoist spiritual home was built in 2015, and it is located in Toronto, Canada.
Baha’i Temple in Santiago
Located on the foothills of the Andes, in Chile, the temple was opened in 2016 and it belongs to the Baha’i Faith. 1,129 unique pieces of both flat and curved cast-glass pieces were produced and assembled to create each of the nine torqued wings. The temple is a domed and luminous structure, reflecting the topography of the Andes and it is surrounded by reflective pools. Since Baha’i Faith is built upon the tenet of universality, the temple aims to welcome people of all cultures and faiths. It is the last of the eight continental temples built by the Baha’i Community.
The Temple in Stone and Light
The temple is located in Rajasthan and was built in 2016. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of dualities and paradoxes. The stone used in the construction of the temple is Jaisalmer Yellow Sandstone, which is a famous material prominently used in the state of Rajasthan.
Sunoo Temple House
Both the egg-shaped garden temple and the house were built upon commission in 2020, on a private property in Mumbai, India. This temple is for private worshipping for the owners of the house. The galaxy-like facade, together with the sparkling tiles inside, represents the thankfulness the client has towards the universe.
