THE small IDEA SHRINE PROJECT

Location: Erawan Buddha Shrine  @ Chetawan Buddhist Temple, Petaling Jaya Selangor

Yesterday, on March 5, 2024, we visited the temple to offer prayers to the Erawan Buddha. The most challenging part was maintaining focus on our prayers under the scorching sun, with the floor burning beneath us.

"Ouch! Burning my feet and knees"

Issues:

1. The issue of excessive heat radiation from the sun on the tiles surrounding a Buddha shrine burned prayers feet and knees.

2. Unpleasant experience when praying especially kneeling down in front of Buddha.

Potential solutions to minimise the impact and enhance comfort and aesthetics:

1. Green Pavers and Shrubs: Replace the current tiles with green pavers, which not only absorb less heat but also provide a visually appealing, natural look. Surround the area with shrubs, adding greenery that helps cool the environment through shade and evapotranspiration, creating a serene and comfortable space for prayers.

2. Engineered Timber Flooring with Water Cooling System: Topping up the tiles with a layer of the engineered timber flooring, which naturally absorbs less heat. To further mitigate heat, integrate a water cooling system beneath the flooring, allowing water to flow when necessary. This solution ensures a comfortable temperature is maintained around the shrine, enhancing the overall visitor experience while preserving the aesthetic and functional integrity of the space.

WHAT IF Series

by HUNI Chew Architect