Exploring and Documenting Roadside Shrines

As part of this module, we explored roadside shrines, documenting their architectural elements, spatial organization, and cultural significance. Observing these spaces firsthand allowed us to analyze how spiritual, social, and functional aspects shape their existence within the urban fabric.

We then engaged with the local community, speaking to worshippers, passersby, and vendors to understand the history, evolution, and role of the shrine within its surroundings. This interaction provided valuable insights into how people use and perceive the space—not just for worship but as a point of social interaction, economic activity, and community gathering.

Design Exploration: Steps as a Repeated Element

Inspired by the existing shrine’s informal spatial growth, I focused on steps as a primary architectural element. The repetition and multiplication of steps allowed me to explore syntax in design—how a simple module, when arranged in different configurations, could define and transform spaces.

Using steps, I developed a layered spatial strategy, creating different levels and terraces that served distinct functions:

1. Worship Space – Elevated steps formed a dedicated zone for rituals and prayers, ensuring a serene, sacred atmosphere.

2. Vendor Space – Lower levels provided platforms for local vendors, integrating commerce into the shrine’s ecosystem.

3. Interaction Zones – Terraced steps acted as seating areas, encouraging community engagement, rest, and informal gatherings.

4. Pathways and Circulation – The staggered levels created fluid movement, allowing visitors to navigate the space naturally.

By carefully placing these elements within the site, the shrine transformed into a multi-functional space, blending spirituality, social interaction, and economic activity.

Final Reflections

Through this exercise, I learned how simple architectural elements can be manipulated to define complex spatial relationships. The use of syntax-based repetition helped in creating a shrine space that was not only responsive to human movement and function but also deeply rooted in its cultural and social context.