ENHANCING THE ENTRY EXPERIENCE AT PHAP QUANG TEMPLE, GRAND PRAIRIE, TX
Abstract
This design thesis explores the design principles of traditional Chinese Buddhist temple gardens and their significance in creating successful entry sequences. The study focuses on Vietnamese Buddhist temples in a suburban context in North Texas and investigates the role of design elements such as architecture, water features, planting design, and rocks in creating a spiritually enriching and culturally significant environment. The research method includes a literature review, comparison analysis, site inventory, user survey, interview with a member of the board of advisors, design testing, and design proposal. The proposed design aims to enhance the accessibility, wayfinding, and sense of place of Phap Quang Temple in Grand Prairie, TX, while incorporating elements inspired by Vietnamese Buddhist culture. The study demonstrates the importance of preserving and promoting the unique cultural and spiritual significance of Buddhist temple sites in contemporary landscape architecture. Further research is needed to better understand the cultural and contextual variations of Buddhist temple and their entry sequences.