Water-Moon Monastery

Nung Chan Monastery is the cradle of DharmaDrum Mountain. It sits in the infamous Gaundu plain, facesthe Keelung River, and leans against the Datun Mountain. The design takes advantage of its remarkable site, and strives to build a place of worship within the gorgeous landscape for new Nung Chan Monastery. At the entrance of site, two walls of different lengths provide the monastery an appropriate buffer against the bustling city. Circling around the walls, the view opens up towards a serene courtyard with a lotus pond as its main focus. The pond is flanked by a main circulation route and a covered corridor. The circulation axis is purposely elongated with the intention of gradual relaxation and self-control as one approach towards the architectural complex. The new additions and the original structure each maintain its own identity while stand harmoniously together. The new serene and solemn Grand hall stands idly by the pool, and makes links via double height corridors to the meditation hall, dining hall, and monk’s living quarters that are designed in similar architectural vocabulary. Among the group of original buildings, The ones that span two generations from venerable Master Dongchu to Master Sheng Yen are designated as historical buildings, and are kept in memory of the extablishment and development of Nung Chan Monastery.