22/10/2026
SOME DREAMS ONLY BLOOM ON PAPER… 🪷
Throughout my journey as a designer, there have been projects that have filled me with pride when I finally saw them come to life. But there are also projects that, despite never progressing beyond the drawing board, have left me with lasting emotions and a deep sense of regret.
Vinh Nghiem Temple on John Street, Cabramatta, is one of those projects.
Inspired by the renowned Lotus Temple in India, I wanted to incorporate the image of the lotus flower — a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and peace in Buddhism — into a design that embraces contemporary architecture.
The concept was to create a harmonious blend of traditional Buddhist architecture and modern architectural expression.
The main prayer hall was inspired by a blooming lotus flower, with its petals gracefully reaching upwards and embracing the sacred space within. Behind it, a building featuring traditional East Asian temple rooflines creates a connection between the past and the present.
My vision was for this place to be more than just a religious building. I wanted it to become an architectural space that brings a sense of serenity, warmth, and peace to the community.
However, not every beautiful idea gets the chance to become a reality. For various reasons, the project could not move forward as we had hoped. It remains one of my greatest regrets throughout my design career.
Nevertheless, I will always treasure this design as a meaningful milestone in my journey. Every project carries its own story, passion, and sometimes, a dream left unfinished.
That lotus may never have bloomed in the real world, but it will forever remain in the memory of its designer. 🪷
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IDG DESIGN & FITOUT
Architecture | Building Design | Interior Design | Fitout
🌐 www.idgdesign.com
📍 Vinh Nghiem Temple – Cabramatta, NSW
