A new visitor center at Maiji Mountain in China draws inspiration from the Buddhist ritual of circumambulation, reflecting the cycle of reincarnation.
The circular design organizes the visitor route and creates a visual narrative, with six interconnected blocks representing the six forms of existence in Buddhism.
The building's facade is clad in natural sandstone, echoing the geology of the Maiji Mountain caves, and glass corridors between the blocks allow natural light to illuminate the interior.
Metal plates at the base of the architectural arches feature motifs from the Maiji Mountain caves, while hidden light strips highlight the building's contours at night, creating a sense of timelessness.
The center houses exhibition spaces, a theater, an auditorium, and a 5D digital cinema, all connected by a continuous circular visitor route.
The Maiji Mountain Visitor Center exemplifies how architecture can become a medium for cultural communication, reinterpreting local heritage in a contemporary language and offering a welcoming and spiritual experience for a diverse audience.