FOREST TEMPLE II

Markham, Ontario, Canada

Cultural New Construction

5,285 sf

Unbuilt

Just as ecosystems thrive on biodiversity, humanity thrives on cultural diversity. In Canada, diversity is not merely a demographic fact but a shared strength — a living principle essential to harmony, balance, and collective flourishing. It is what makes a nation not just a place, but a community.

This spirit of unity in diversity forms the basis for the proposed design of a Canadian national temple of worship. The building is composed of nine leaves, each nestled into the next, giving form to the interconnectedness and harmony of all peoples. Together, they speak to the beauty that emerges when difference is not simply tolerated, but embraced and celebrated.

The structure is constructed primarily from mass timber — a renewable resource abundant across Canada's vast forests. Structural elements are prefabricated offsite using CNC technology, allowing for precision, efficiency, and minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape. The building meets the land gently, as a guest rather than an imposition.

Once assembled, the leaves rise together to form a warm, luminous, domed interior. Filtered light, natural wood, and the quiet geometry of the space work in concert to create an atmosphere that is at once welcoming and deeply spiritual — a place where all are invited to pause, reflect, and feel part of something greater than themselves.

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FOREST TEMPLE I

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FOREST TEMPLE III