Reuse the Temple

A single remaining temple becomes the starting point—everything surrounding it is newly conceived. The intervention creates an arena, embedded in a redefined spatial structure that respectfully frames the historic temple. From a solitary fragment emerges a vibrant place for cultural exchange, gathering, and movement.

The central idea is to transform the isolated temple into an open, democratic space. The newly introduced arena positions the historic core at its center without overpowering it. It becomes a stage for dialogue between past and present, history and contemporary life. The radial organization opens the space and invites visitors from all directions. The circular form symbolizes community and equality, with stepped elements functioning both as seating and circulation.

The design emphasizes spatial clarity, density, and strong architectural presence. The added structures are conceived as solid, monolithic forms that establish their own identity while engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the temple. Carefully placed sightlines, transitions, and material relationships highlight the qualities of the existing building while shaping a new spatial narrative. The section reveals how the new volumes respond to the proportions of the temple, integrating it into a continuous spatial sequence.

The arena is not only a physical form but a space of activation. At its heart stands the historic relic, surrounded by newly formed architecture that invites use and participation. The temple remains visible but is no longer isolated—it becomes part of a broader composition that bridges time and use. The result is a vibrant center—open, layered, and accessible. The temple is not preserved in isolation but integrated, expanded, and recontextualized. It stands as the core of an arena that gives space to transformation and shared experience.