sou fujimoto's temporary hall for dazaifu tenmangu shrine opens its doors in japan

Sou Fujimoto completes temporary hall for Dazaifu Tenmangu

On May 13, 2023, the doors of Sou Fujimoto’s temporary hall for the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka, Japan, opened to welcome the public. This unique structure, distinguished by its minimalist black design and elliptical planted roof, will serve as a temporary space for a period of three years, standing proudly in front of the main shrine and providing visitors with a place to explore while renovations are underway. The hall’s formal inauguration took place as part of an important ceremony held every 25 years in honor of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin-sama), the revered deity associated with learning, culture, art, and sincerity.

the structure is distinguished by its elliptical planted roof | all images courtesy of Dazaifu Tenmangu

a striking forest-like rooftop

The temporary hall has been completed to house the spirit of the enshrined deity during the major renovation of the main shrine. Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects (find more here), the building is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, preserving the rich history Dazaifu Tenmangu (find more here) that spans over 1,100 years. The striking feature of the building is the remarkable rooftop adorned with plum trees, nurtured by the flower guardians of Tenmangu Shrine within the temple grounds. As visitors explore the temporary shrine, they will be captivated by the ever-changing ambiance, reflecting the surrounding environment, seasons, and weather conditions, presenting a fresh experience with each visit.

‘More than two years after receiving the request for the design, the temporary hall is complete. Starting with accepting the long history and tradition of Dazaifu Tenmangu, we continued to consider various things until we arrived at the current plan. Faced with the big question of whether modern architecture can respond to a history of more than 1,100 years, I put everything I had into designing it.’ shares lead architect Sou Fujimoto. ‘Although it is a limited period of three years, the forest-like roof for Lord Michizane connects with the legend of Tobiume plums and history, and the beautiful and rich nature can be felt. I wish I could be a landscape like that.’

‘I wish I could be a landscape like that’ shares Sou Fujimoto while commenting on the forest-like roof

‘Micho’ and ‘Kicho’ by Mame Kurogouchi

Dazaifu Tenmangu has also invited Japanese fashion brand Mame Kurogouchi to create the mitobari and kicho for the temporary shrine, infusing the spirit of Tenjin and the shrine’s history into their designs. By combining ancient dyeing methods with modern looms, a unique fabric was created, representing the god of culture and arts and the shrine’s significance as a cultural hub. The fabric features a prominent plum tree motif symbolizing Tenmangu Shrine, with a beautiful gradient of colors and patterns that symbolize the expansiveness of life within the shrine’s premises. For the curtains, silk was dyed using plum and camphor branches sourced from the shrine grounds, along with precious purple root, interwoven with modern chemical fibers. The flowing threads in the weave represent the designer’s personal experience of the rain of life. The fabric weaves together the historical legacy of Tenjin and Tenmangu, incorporating elements such as irises and flowers blooming within the shrine, ensuring a connection between the past and the future.

interior view of the temporary shrine