Wong Dai Sin Temple, Markham万锦黄大仙庙

Type

Overseas Daoist Temples

Location

Canada · Ontario · Markham · 378 Steeles Ave E, Thornhill, ON L3T 0E7

Coordinates

43.8056, -79.3864 Map ↗

First built

Opened in 2015 · Belongs to the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism; designed by Brigitte Shim of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects

Overview

The Wong Dai Sin Temple, Markham, opened in 2015, dedicated primarily to Wong Tai Sin (Huang Daxian), and belongs to the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism; it was designed by Brigitte Shim of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. The temple is a rare attempt to interpret Daoist space in a contemporary architectural idiom: its asymmetrical yet balanced composition expresses the Daoist idea of 'cosmic harmony,' and it features one of the longest pre-stressed concrete cantilevers in North America, a form quite different from traditional temple architecture yet conveying a related meaning. The building includes a taiji practice area, a memorial hall for ancestors, and spaces for Buddhist and Confucian activities, continuing Fung Loy Kok's orientation of jointly venerating the three teachings. The building received a Governor General's Medal in Architecture and an AZ Award for 'Outstanding Building Under 1000 m²' in 2016. During construction it faced opposition from nearby residents and the City of Markham, and was ultimately approved for construction by the Ontario Municipal Board.

Highlights

• Interprets Daoist space in a contemporary architectural idiom
• One of the longest pre-stressed concrete cantilevers in North America
• Governor General's Medal in Architecture
• Belongs to the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism