The Open Christchurch event, organised by the New Zealand green group Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making, took place on May 6th and 7th. This year, 52 buildings and 4 trail parks were selected for the architectural tour, many of which are century-old landmarks, churches, and government buildings. The Fo Guang Shan Christchurch was selected for the third time and is the only Buddhist architecture included in the list. Over the two-day event, 600 people visited, and President of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), Bernie Siew, led 20 BLIA member, BLIA Youth Adult Division (YAD) and volunteers in welcoming the visitors.
FGS Christchurch has been selected as an outstanding architecture for three consecutive years in the Open Christchurch event and is the only Buddhist architecture featured. Its initial selection was based on its structure, design, and materials, which align with green, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly concepts. The warm hospitality of the BLIA member also left a lasting impression on the visitors.
The tour focused on several key elements, including the exterior of the temple, a temple model, the Time Tunnel, the Buddha Hall, and the art gallery’s rear wall with a plant area. Some visitors were attracted by the architectural design of the temple, while others came because of the renowned local architecture firm, Warren and Mahoney, which designed the temple. Some visitors mentioned passing by the temple many times without knowing they could enter until the open day event.
Guided by volunteer tour guides explaining the architectural features and functions, the public deeply admired the temple’s wisdom and aesthetics, from its exterior design to its interior structure. By entering and visiting, they experienced a sense of tranquillity and serenity. The public expressed gratitude for the thoughtful arrangements made by the residents, allowing them to discover this meaningful building in the bustling city.
The temple staff symbolically gifted apples, representing auspiciousness, to the visitors on the day and conveyed Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s everlasting blessings, accompanied by bookmarks inscribed with the Master’s teachings. The art gallery currently showcases the Garden of Season Oil Painting Exhibition, where artist Natalia Dybova is present to interact with visitors and share her artistic creation ideas.
The Open Christchurch event has greatly enhanced the reputation of the temple, attracting an increasing number of visitors each year. Adhering to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept of Giving, the temple guides the public through its carefully crafted unique architectural design, providing services, promoting vegetarianism and purifying hearts through art exhibitions, creating a pure land in the sustainable development of Christchurch.