Achieving enlightenment at Nirvana Memorial Park in Johor

Addy Wong of Addy Design fuses ancient Eastern philosophy with pristine contemporary design for the Nirvana Memorial Park in Johor

Stepping into the Modern Oriental Enlightenment Hall at the Nirvana Memorial Park in Kulai, Johor, one is transported to a space designed for contemplation, meditation, and spiritual enlightenment. The hall honours the practice in Chinese culture regarding rebirth and transition to the afterlife.

No stranger to designing pristine, meditative spaces that evoke the idea of a clean slate for life after death, Addy Wong of Addy Design Consultant Sdn Bhd (ADC) spearheads the project once again for Nirvana Memorial Park, having already constructed similar spaces in the Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam outfits.

Above The Modern Oriental Enlightenment Hall beckons

The Modern Oriental Enlightenment Hall beckons

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His innovative design approach, which won gold for Best Public Space Design at the Atap Design Awards 2023 (ADA), is centred on creating a serene environment that encourages mindfulness and self-discovery. It fuses the essence of a traditional Oriental meditation space with modern elegance and functionality.

“The client specifically requested a sense of modernism for the younger generation, without losing the cultural roots that were inherited from thousands of years ago,” recalls Wong, who drew inspiration from the rich traditions of Asian cultures that prioritise elements such as harmony, balance and inner peace, particularly within a funeral home setting.

“In essence, the Modern Oriental Enlightenment Hall encapsulates the union of ancient wisdom and modern comfort. It is a space where individuals can escape from the chaotic world, find serenity, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.”

Photo 1 of 2 The ceiling installation is the centrepiece in the Enlightenment Hall

Photo 2 of 2 The tongue-and-groove design method of interlocking wooden brackets

The ceiling installation is the centrepiece in the Enlightenment Hall

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Wong took design cues from the Forbidden City, which features the structural element of interlocking wooden brackets called dougong—fundamental in traditional Chinese architecture.

The tongue-and-groove design method is seen in the centrepiece of the Enlightenment Hall: a ceiling installation that plays on the vertical and horizontal lines, crisscrossing to illustrate the lotus flower symbol, which represents purity, spiritual enlightenment and rebirth in Asian culture.

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Silhouettes of the storied Asian hip-and-gable roof frame at the reception counter

Cloud-like designs as backdrops to the prayer statues

Design cues from the Forbidden City at the doorways

Photo 1 of 3 Silhouettes of the storied Asian hip-and-gable roof frame at the reception counter

Photo 2 of 3 Cloud-like designs as backdrops to the prayer statues

Photo 3 of 3 Design cues from the Forbidden City at the doorways

Silhouettes of the storied Asian hip-and-gable roof frame at the reception counter

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Further paying tribute to the region’s design elements, silhouettes of the storied Asian hip-and-gable roof frame the reception counter and the side entrance doorways, whereas cloud-like designs serve as backdrops to prayer statues.

Photo 1 of 2 The brightly lit columbarium upstairs

Photo 2 of 2 Detailing of the columbarium

The brightly lit columbarium upstairs

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Minimalist lines and clean lighting are the main contemporary design principles. Upstairs, the brightly lit columbarium emphasises clean and symmetrical lines, while in the main hall, brass accents and scattered palettes of muted jade green and red contrast against the light-coloured wooden millwork and dark marble work in a polished manner.

Polished dark marble work against light-coloured wood

Photo 1 of 3 Light-coloured wooden millwork

Photo 2 of 3 Minimalist lines and clean lighting

Photo 3 of 3 Polished dark marble work against light-coloured wood

Light-coloured wooden millwork

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Wong sums it up: “This project is something that will captivate the hearts of the different generations, as it represents the harmonious coexistence of past and present, fostering a deeper connection with the spiritual and mindful aspects of life in the modern era.”

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Credits

Photography: Addy Design

Topics

Nirvana Memorial Park Contemporary

Celeste Goh

Senior Writer of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia

Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.

Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.

Achieving enlightenment at Nirvana Memorial Park in Kulai, Johor