Spanish architect Miguel Arraiz revealed his “Temple of the Deep” design. It will be the official temple for Burning Man 2025, making its return to Black Rock City for this year’s art festival. Moreover, the structure draws inspiration from Nevada desert’s rock formations. It showcases similarities with a giant black rock, taking its shape from erosion over time. Arraiz used the Japanese art of kintsugi to inspire the design. Kintsugi involves mending broken objects with gold, showcasing the beauty in flaws. The temple features a darkened and fractured outside that appears to be molded together by lightbeams that shine through the cracks. Lastly, it has an ethereal glow on the design.
The architect’s vision encompasses a cave-like interior that historically represents a place for gathering and meditation for humanity. Underneath the rough and natural facade, the design showcases Baroque geometries when it comes to movement. In effect, it includes sightlines, and spatial dynamics. Carefully, the crafted environment embodies a sanctuary for some of Burning Man’s pilars, such as reflection, art, and healing
The Temple of the Deep
The temple resembles a cave, since this was always an ancient setting where people have gathered to communicate and document life’s mysteries. Furthermore, the structure possesses an autobiographical quality to the author. The structure symbolizes a fragmented, broken heart, with its visible scars remaining intact. The cracks engulfed in light serve as symbols of overcoming adversity. Lastly, it tells a visual story of loss and renewal. The design repeats the festival’s tradition of radical acceptance, as it provides a space for emotional release and change.
The Temple of the Deep has seven entrances, each symbolizing a stage of grief. This will lead visitors along pathways that all connect at a central area. The layout facilitates personal reflection, while also mimicking the arrangement of Black Rock City itself. This fosters a sense of community between attendees, inspiring them to connect with one another about shared experiences and loss.
Purpose
Similar to past Burning Man Temples, the Temple of the Deep will act as a communal haven, gifting attendees with a sacred space to reflect on their emotions, highlighting their journeys. The temple acknowledges the importance of finding meaning in shared experiences without pressure. According to Arraiz, this serene environment boosts emotional healing, offering festival-goers a space to pause and delve deeper into their consciousness.
The Spanish architect extended an invitation to participants to help out the Temple’s narrative by writing letters filled with messages of grief, love, or gratitude. These personal messages will be tastefully incorporated into the very fabric of the Temple. Even during the Temple’s ceremonial burning, these letters will remain a secret, as they are ceremonially burnt. Nevertheless, the ceremony represents transformation, while honoring the release and transformation of private stories and sentiments into spiritual catharsis.
For more info on Arraiz’ work, click here.