# Embedded Buddhist Shrines Arch Studio Carved This Shrine Into a Grassy Berm By Joey Haar | Published 2017-05-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arch-studio References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2017/05/10/arch-studio-concrete-buddhist-shrine-subterranean-underground-grassy-mound-hebei-china/) Certain schools of thought in Buddhism espouse the notion of ridding materiality from one's existence, and the [Buddhist shrine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plum-village-buddhist) built by [Arch Studio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arch-studio-home-collection) seems to be in line with this ethos. The shrine, which is on the outskirts of the city of Tangshan in Hebei Province, China, is built directly into a grassy berm that was a natural feature of the site. This design limited the physical impact that the shrine would have on the natural environment, hopefully limiting the spiritual impact of a material creation in the process. Arch Studio's shrine is minimal in terms of design characteristics as well. The interior of the space is covered in [raw concrete](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3to1-pavilion), and the various subterranean rooms blend together but for the occasional statue that helps those in the shrine to locate themselves. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Minimalist Shrines:** Opportunity to design shrines that blend and minimize physical impact on natural environments. - **Subterranean Architecture:** Opportunity to design underground spaces that minimize environmental impact above ground. - **Spiritual Materiality:** Opportunity to explore how to best design spiritual spaces without sacrificing beliefs of ridding materiality. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to design unique shrines using minimalism and subterranean architecture techniques. - **Religion:** Opportunity for religious groups to create spiritual spaces with minimal environmental impact. - **Environmental Conservation:** Opportunity for environmental conservation organizations to work with architects and religious groups to create designs that preserve natural environments while providing spiritual spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mandala-Shaped Meditation Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mahamudra-meditation-centre.md) - [Reflective Memorial Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-of-trees.md) - [Minimal Timber Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenhouse.md) - [Contemplative Steel Sanctuaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doshi-retreat.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Glass-Lined Corridor Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tranquil-abiding.md) - [Hilltop Valley-Overlooking Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hermitage.md) - [Timber Monastery Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plum-village-buddhist.md) - [Multi-Faith Spiritual Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nondenominational-temple.md)