Dynuk Ethan Devamulla

Mystical East focuses on the commodification and appropriation of East, South and Southeast Asian cultures within a consumerist capitalist society. The project explores an alternate reality in Melbourne within the time frame of 2025 and 2060 where a corporation, Wick3d PPL, has rejuvenated a site within Melbourne once housing a peace pagoda by converting the original temple into a set of commercial spaces for the general public and the Melburnian Buddhist community. The project sheds light on the problematic nature of commodifying traditional practices without acknowledging the communities to which these practices belong.

Elevations illustrating the northern and southern facades of the new temple entitled Mystical East, established in 2035.

Illustrations depicting the way the original peace pagoda was modified to create the new shrine of the new temple.

Illustrations depicting the program that Wick3d PPL created for the new temple and plan views of each of the spaces designed for each stage of the ceremony. Additionally, an illustration detailing the meaning and significance of the facade of the temple is also included.

A series of images illustrating the different experiences within the temple.

A video illustrating the ceremony (the new program), from start to finish, at Mystical East.