Description
Tian-Jin-Tang is a Taoist temple in Burnaby created through the adaptive conversion of an existing Roman Catholic church. Completed in 2012, it became the region’s first Taoist temple and remains one of the most active spiritual and community-serving temples in the area today. The project required a thoughtful transformation of sacred space while preserving the building’s functional integrity and introducing meaningful Taoist symbolism, rituals, and spatial requirements.
Faith Space Reimagined
The project transformed an existing Catholic church into the region’s first Taoist temple, respecting both the building’s original structure and the specific cultural, spatial, and ritual requirements of Taoist practice.
Design Tailored to Client Needs
The renovation process focused on meeting the temple’s operational needs — from ceremonial space planning to community-use areas — ensuring the design appropriately supported Taoist practice while upgrading the building for long-term use.
Active Community Hub Providing Ongoing Social Services
Since its completion in 2012, Tian-Jin-Tang continues to operate as one of Burnaby’s most active temples, offering spiritual programs, social service outreach, and community activities that strengthen its role as a local anchor.
