burning man welcomes 2024 temple inspired by neo-gothic, art deco and khaizaran styles

Burning Man’s 2024 temple design by BIPOC artist

Burning Man unveils the 2024 Temple design at Black Rock City, inspired by the traditional weaving techniques of the Lebanese Khaizaran chair and the styles of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco. The architectural influences stem from the earliest memories of Caroline Ghosn, who is also Burning Man’s first BIPOC lead artist for the 2024 temple. Caroline Ghosn remembers sitting on a Khaizaran chair when she was young, dreaming about becoming an artist. Now that she owns the part, she leverages the chance to bring back her fond memories of the chair by employing its weaving techniques for Burning Man’s 2024 temple.

Temple of Together inspired by Lebanese Khaizaran

Named Temple of Together, Burning Man’s shrine, designed by Caroline Ghosn, is expected to rise 70 feet above the playa surface at Black Rock City and span 94 feet in diameter. The sanctuary will rise in time for the Burning Man taking place between August 25th and September 2nd, 2024, in Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Given the Lebanese Khaizaran as one of the focal points of the design inspiration, the use of repurposed materials is evident in the architecture, enshrined with reeded weaving techniques. The holes and woven patterns found in the Khaizaran chair appear around the Temple of Together to let the light and air spill inside.

neo-Gothic and Art Deco styles around Burning Man 2024 temple

The design of the Temple of Together aims to capture the metaphor of the light that comes up when a community comes together as one. This is immediately underlined by the two colossal hands joined together in prayer before the visitors enter the temple, doubling as the entryway arch that welcomes them into the seemingly peaceful sanctuary. Along with the traditional weaving techniques of the Lebanese Khaizaran, the influences of the neo-Gothic and Art Deco styles thrive around the Burning Man temple, underscored by the pointed arches repeated throughout the design and the geometric and symmetrical shapes that form the architecture.

Inside the Temple of Together, Burning Man attendees enjoy the abundance of light and space as the dome-like shape of the temple offers expansive areas for them to walk around. When they sit on the ground, they can be more in tune with the flow of light and the concept of positive energy coming from the hanging lanterns, the pointed spires, the central altar, and the reeded weaving techniques of the temple’s design. Aside from the architectural style influences, Caroline Ghosn is also inspired by the previous works of the Burning Man’s temple artists, finding ways to insert their nuances into her design.

Caroline Ghosn’s first Burning Man experience in 2014 left an imprint on her. She remembers visiting the Temple of Grace by David Best and wants to honor her gateway to the event by opting for a skirted bell shape and repeating shapes around the temple. She also builds upon 2023 Temple artists Ela Madej and Reed Finlay’s focus on intimacy and inclusivity in the Temple of the Heart and incorporates multiple private alcoves and intentional seating inside the sanctuary. Caroline Ghosn is on a mission to contribute to a carbon-negative temple, and Burning Man 2017 Temple lead artists Marisha Farnsworth and Steven Brummond shared their insights with her around using sustainable materials to support her goal.

1/10

project info:

name: Temple of Together

lead artist: Caroline Ghosn

event: Burning Man 2024