Won Buddhism, founded in Korea in 1916, is a distinct, sophisticated Buddhist practice that aspires to balance spiritual and material concerns through the power of the mind. Released on October 22, 2022, to coincide with the dedication of the new Won Buddhism building in Houston, On Won Buddhism and the Circularity of Things by Carlos Jiménez is a limited-edition publication designed by Rice Architecture Associate Professor Reto Geiser (MG&Co.).
Published by Won Media and printed in South Korea, the book is bound in course natural linen and features a circular foil-stamped cover. The publication documents the design process of the 6,000-square-foot center, designed by Carlos Jiménez Studio. A cinematic sequence of large color photographs by Paul Hester (Hester+Hardaway), is followed by architectural drawings, an essay by Carlos Jiménez in English and Korean, as well as sketches that complete the narrative of the six-year design and construction undertaking. Won Buddhism of Houston attends to the spiritual needs of its largest congregation in Texas, as it also makes the faith’s literature, scriptures, and meditation practices available to the community at large.