When describing Thailand's architectural wonder 'Wat Rong Khun,' unconventional is an understatement. The Buddhist and Hindu Temple is an artistic masterpiece both inside and out and certainly does not evoke what you would expect of a traditional place of worship. But traditional it is not, as its walls are decorated with murals inspired by modern Sci-Fi movies and its mind-blowing exterior comes complete with a bridge across a sea of human hands reaching out towards the sky.
According to Oddity Central, "Wat Rong Khun is entirely white, to symbolize Lord Buddha’s purity, and the mirrors used signify his wisdom, which shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe.” Futuristic spaceships flown by robots, and superheroes that look an awful lot like Superman line the walls of this sacred place of worship. Other popular characters that can be seen inside the temple include the Predator, Neo from Matrix, Spiderman, Batman and even creatures from the Avatar movie.
Similar to 'La Sagrada Familia' designed by Spanish architectural icon Antonio Gaudi, the Wat Rong Khun temple is an incomplete work of art that is expected to be finished within the next 100 years. And just like the Gaudi cathedral, it should definitely be classified under "places to see before you die."
What's Driving This Trend
- Sci-fi-inspired Architecture
- The use of modern Sci-Fi movies in the design of traditional places of worship opens up new possibilities for unconventional architectural creations and experiences.
- Incomplete Artistic Creations
- The popularity of incomplete works of art, such as the Wat Rong Khun temple and La Sagrada Familia, presents opportunities for businesses to explore creative ways to sustainably fund such projects and offer unique experiences over time.
- Fusion of Traditional and Modern Culture
- The fusion of traditional and modern art and culture in the design of places of worship, such as the Wat Rong Khun temple, presents opportunities for businesses to explore new markets, audience segments, and creative approaches to engage them.
Who This Affects Most
- Tourism
- The unconventional and awe-inspiring designs of places of worship, such as the Wat Rong Khun temple and La Sagrada Familia, create opportunities for tourism-focused businesses to create unique and sustainable experiences that showcase these works of art.
- Architecture and Design
- The fusion of traditional and modern elements in the design of places of worship, such as the Wat Rong Khun temple, presents opportunities for architects and designers to explore new approaches, styles, and materials that blend cultural and artistic influences.
- Film and Entertainment
- The influence of modern Sci-Fi movies in the design of places of worship, such as the Wat Rong Khun temple, presents opportunities for film and entertainment businesses to collaborate with architects, designers, and cultural institutions to explore new forms of storytelling and immersive experiences.
