The Han Ma Um Zen Temple

Angelo Costa has always approached his work with a sense of curiosity and dedication.
As the head of Costa Architecture & Engineering in Great Neck, NY, he enjoys that his
firm is contributing to New York City's dynamic skyline. “Each project seems to have its
own unique aspects,” he shared. “Even the most typical projects usually present special
challenges or opportunities, and I enjoy discovering and addressing those unique needs
for each client.”
A few decades ago, a week or two after returning from an enlightening trip to the Far
East, Costa’s staff informed him about two monks who were waiting in his conference
room, seeking his expertise for a new project. As Costa recalled with a chuckle, “They
said we’ve heard that you’ll take on something like this.” He quickly grasped their vision
and ambitions.
While the idea was to build something contemporary at first, the appeal of a traditional
building was substantial. And despite numerous challenges, they managed to complete
the Han Ma Um Zen Center of NY in about 12 years. The journey was not just about
building a structure but also about embracing a rich cultural heritage.
Costa’s dedication to the project led him to South Korea, where he spent two weeks
immersed in the world of Buddhist temples. There, he gained unprecedented access to
these sacred spaces, an opportunity few ever receive. Despite the language barrier,
Costa collaborated with a South Korean architect through the universal language of
sketches. Together, they conceived the main structure of the Zen Center.
“This is built true to the old temples,” Costa proudly explained. “There isn’t a screw in it,
there isn’t a piece of steel in it but it’s like a Legos connection. You have to know what
you’re doing.”
Creating a building that adhered to ancient techniques while also meeting the stringent
codes of the New York City building codes was no small feat. “The building is unique
because it also had to be something that the city of New York would accept,” Costa noted. “It wasn’t built using techniques that are in our codes.” The construction of the
interior ceiling, for example, utilized methods not typical of New York City or even in the
United States.
The lower structure of the temple included a multi-purpose room for assembly, a library,
meeting rooms, and an elevator tower for handicapped access. This was a collaborative
effort led by Costa, involving the American contractor firm, James Mitchell & Sons, a
South Korean contractor, South Korean artists and craftspeople, and a local engineer.
The wood for the temple was specially sourced from the forests of Washington, Oregon,
and Canada.
The intricate carvings and detailed hand-painted murals on the exterior walls told a
captivating story. The painted ceiling structure, reminiscent of ancient techniques, and
the vibrantly detailed interior of the main hall, added to the building’s authenticity and
beauty.
To ensure the building’s resilience, a study from the Earthquake Research Center in
South Korea was conducted, proving that the structure could withstand seismic activity
despite not being anchored to the ground. Costa humorously added, “When there’s an earthquake, I’m running to this building.”
Angelo Costa’s dedication and the unique challenges of this project were recognized when the Han Ma Um Zen Center of NY received an award from the Queens Chamber
of Commerce and recent recognition from the AIAQueens in 2024. This accolade was
not just a testament to architectural excellence but also to the harmonious blending of
cultural heritage and the diversity of New York.