Byodo-in Temple

1. Construction time: 1053
2. Location: Kyoto, Japan

Byodo-in Temple is located in the middle of a forest next to a small lake, as if it had been built thousands of years ago. Although the temple is dated recently, it proves to be a perfect illustration of the architectural style of development. The work itself was significant, but in addition the building was not built of stone but of wood, a material that is highly biodegradable and fire-resistant, towering in an ordinary earthquake and civil war in past. The temple exists over time, more or less in its original form.

The shape of the temple is Chinese style . Entered into Japan with Buddhism in the 6th century AD. The Japanese, according to their habits, simulate the basic model but with a height that is unmatched in a series of current construction works still exists.

Temple scene (Photo: ifa.hawaii)

Byodo-in Temple is located on an old-fashioned street from Kyoto, heading towards Nara, near the aggressive Uji River, in a famous place with charming scenery. Aristocratic families from Kyoto built a residence in this area. In 1053, the regent Fujiwara-no-Yorimichi renovated his father's residence into a monastery, building a group of works to worship the Buddha Amitabha, of which only the Byodo-in temple remained. exists to this day.

The construction style is different from the European wooden frame tradition, most notably in the roof with many curves and the roof part protruding from the wall so ambitious. In addition to beauty, these extra mittens have the practical function of keeping the frame dry in a country with a fairly large rainfall. Detailed observations show that there are significant differences in structure - the frame is not based on triangles, the basis of stability in European structure. Instead, the structural component is tucked into the head of the support with complex joints that can withstand large traction loads . So the building stands as strong as a multi-legged table, the fragile stability of the frame helps the building withstand the earthquakes that occur periodically.

Buddha statue in the temple (Photo: brian.hoffert)

In the diagram, the building consists of a hall, the hall of Hoo-do or Phung Hoang Hall - with elevated corridors protruding on either side, at the end of the curve bends a short direction toward the lake. It is easy to imagine the shape of a winged bird, and the general serenity of the shape and the lake context all like to highlight this association. Two bronze Phoenix birds placed on the middle (original simulation) also emphasize the idea of ​​death and incarnation in Buddha's teachings.

The purpose of all this extravagant spending is to create a magnificent hall of worship in the hall that can place a large buddha statue, touch the wood, ordered by Yorimichi at the famous sculpture of Joche. Often considered a masterpiece of art, the statue is nearly 3m tall (10feet).

Old wood structures often have characteristic characteristics for the outer part, derived from the basic structure of organic matter. In terms of the age of the project, of course there are so many points that it is impossible to see all the unique structures. However, the pagoda is preserved most sensitive, because the wood has been shiny water of time and is currently being effectively restored. Right now, the temple is a world cultural heritage, one of the few recognized all-wood construction works.

Actual data:

1. Total width: 48m
2. Width of Phung Hoang lobby front: 14.24m
3. Height of Buddha statue: 3m.