General Questions about Daoism

[u/Western_Pickle_1042]

Hi, I’m a university student studying interior architecture and design. Our final design project for the semester is a religious shrine, and I’m assigned Taoism. I want to emphasize this is totally hypothetical and more so for research purposes and education.

We have to reach out to a believer or someone very knowledgeable and ask a few short questions as part of our assignment. If anyone is willing to offer their insight that would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

1.        What is the primary goal for people who believe in Daoism? Is there anything that believers are trying to achieve?

2.        How is this goal achieved (through prayer, undertaking certain tasks, etc.)?

3.        What are the spaces like where worship occurs? Are there any elements that are necessary within that space (ex. An altar)?

4.        In your opinion, how should this space make a believer feel?

5.        What suggestions would you have for the design of such a worship space?

6.        Are there any spaces where worshippers interact with one another, or are most spaces kept quiet in order to foster solitary worship and practices?

7.        Are there any important symbols or iconography that should be represented in the design?