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Tai Chi Pyramid is a rain-friendly, outdoor venue intended for tai chi and group activities in harmony with natural energies.

Originally conceived of as an iconic structure which complements the triodetic dome of Bloedel Floral Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, it could also be installed at other park areas including near the geodesic dome at Science World.

There are two main parts to the design, making it useful and attractive both when it’s raining and when it’s not, and in both daytime and evenings:

(i) An outer frame, pyramid structure- containing solar panels and lighting, which provides visually striking and energy-efficient illumination;

(ii) An inner, translucent platform structure- which provides shelter and space on a lower level, together with an optional patio on a wheelchair-accessible upper level.

The functional and metaphysical dualities of these elements can be represented by the yin-yang relationship in a tai chi diagram (and the Greek letters Δ and Π ). The design draws inspiration from ancient pyramids of Mesoamerica and Egypt;

Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei’s Louvre Pyramid in Paris; and the visionary,

Afrofuturist music of Sun Ra.

Tai Chi Pyramid would also be a reinstatement of the rain-friendly public space, once important to a large tai chi community, which was lost through redesign of Queen Elizabeth Plaza in 2003-2009. With compelling visual elements, Tai Chi Pyramid promises to enhance Vancouver’s skyline while drawing and engaging users and visitors with new social and photo opportunities, possibilities for rentals and cosmic entertainment.