ABSTRACT
The Won Dharma Center is a recreational and spiritual retreat in Claverack, New York for a Korean Buddhist school. The buildings are oriented south to maximize natural light. The symbol of the Buddhist organization is an open circle, symbolizing Buddhist concepts of void without absence and infinite return. The Buddhist retreat is located in Upstate New York and working with the community was a key element in developing the design. The community where the project is located in Upstate New York is very sophisticated and highly educated. Practicalities extend beyond community and client needs. Site and zoning laws shape projects as well. Basically, the twigs, trees, and everything around the site, those trees will be the same color as the twigs. Religious symbols are a difficult element to incorporate. Often symbols are either literally interpreted or hyper-abstracted, especially if the extent of "research" is a cursory review of websites and blogposts.
