Platinum Winner of the International Excellence Awards 2026

Immersed in Pages

Interior

Cultural and Heritage-Driven Interiors

Completed / Built / Company

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Architect / Designer:

Chen Chao-Ying

Studio:

C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design

Design Team:

Chen Chao-Ying

Chang Chia-Jung

Liu Shu-Mei

Lee Yu-Lin

Country:

Taiwan

This project aspires to create a vibrant multifunctional urban center that harmoniously integrates religious outreach, educational initiatives, cultural arts, and public gatherings. Its core mission transcends the mere hosting of religious ceremonies; instead, it embraces the inclusive and active spirit of Humanistic Buddhism. By doing so, it establishes a dynamic spiritual and cultural platform that meshes seamlessly into the everyday life of the city Moreover, the design employs innovative spatial stratification and multifunctional integration, effectively addressing the complexities and rapid pace of high-density urban living. This thoughtful approach not only accommodates a diverse range of public activities but also ensures they can operate efficiently within a coherent spatial framework. As a result, the center creates an inviting spiritual haven that is accessible to all citizens, thereby offering enduring value and fostering a sense of community for generations to come.

Within this thoughtfully designed multi-functional religious complex, the library emerges as a pivotal hub that elegantly intertwines public activities with the sacred core of the environment. It provides a serene and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for reflection and immersive reading experiences. The interior is beautifully articulated with light-toned wood finishes that harmonize seamlessly with warm gray flooring, crafting a calm and inviting ambiance. Moreover, the ceilings and walls coalesce into a continuous, enveloping volume that not only enhances the generous scale of the space but also fosters a profound sense of stability and inward focus. To further enrich the experience, subtle transitions in the flooring guide smooth circulation throughout the library, while naturally delineating various reading areas. Additionally, the incorporation of sliding doors crafted from oriented strand board (OSB) preserves visual continuity, simultaneously introducing a layered and organic texture that enhances the overall aesthetic. This carefully curated design invites visitors to engage with both the physical and spiritual aspects of the complex, making it a truly unique sanctuary for all who enter.

The entrance elegantly serves as a transitional threshold into the captivating themed book zone. As visitors step inside, the circulation gently curves inward, guiding them toward a continuous linear book wall that establishes the primary axis for display and browsing. At the heart of this engaging space, a dark-toned communal table invites collaboration and fosters a sense of community for shared reading and reference activities. Furthermore, along the perimeter, built-in lounge seating is thoughtfully arranged between deep blue structural columns, seamlessly enhanced by the influx of natural daylight.

C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design

Founded in 2005 by architect Chao-Ying Chen, C.Y.CHEN Architects & Planners | DA-YUN Interior Design is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, a city characterized by its rich historical context and cultural diversity. The firm draws inspiration from the dynamic essence of Taipei, utilizing the city’s cultural resources to develop a distinctive perspective and heightened sensitivity toward its environment. The firm offers comprehensive interior and exterior design services.

Currently, the firm’s projects are primarily located in Taiwan and China, with ongoing initiatives to expand into additional international markets. The design team is composed of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise, fostering a wealth of perspectives and methodologies. This diversity allows the firm to transcend conventional design typologies and instead focus on revealing the unique attributes of each client and site.