Facility Management for a Religious Place: A Study of Bovoranives Vihara Temple

Abstract

Religious sites are places for conducting religious ceremonies. Constructing such buildings is a major investment, with long lifespans and extensive usage, which leads to deterioration over time and necessitates physical maintenance and management. This study focuses on a case study of Bovoranives Vihara Temple. Its objectives are to study the physical resource management and to explore models or approaches for managing the physical resources of Bovoranives Vihara Temple. A qualitative research approach was employed, collecting data through surveys, observations, literature reviews, and interviews with monks responsible for physical management and related personnel. The study found that the physical structure of the temple is divided into two zones: the Buddhawas Zone (sacred areas for religious activities) and the Sanghawas Zone (residential areas for monks). Most of the buildings are single-story brick-and-mortar structures with robust frameworks. The building surfaces are in good condition, clean, and free of significant deterioration. The facilities are functional, and the temple employs 10 staff members responsible for general repairs, cleaning, security, garden and landscape maintenance, as well as waste and sewage management. The temple's approach to physical resource management adheres to the 3P Principles, as follows: 1) Place: The temple has a clear management system, such as site plans and distinct zoning for different buildings and facilities. 2) People: Personnel management is well organized. The abbot acts as the general manager, with assistant abbots overseeing building maintenance and engineering. Physical resource personnel include staff from the Mahamakut Buddhist University Foundation, temple employees, lay devotees, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration personnel, and staff from the War Veterans Organization. 3) Process: Internal management follows a decentralized governance system, with individual administrative units under the supervision of sectional heads responsible for internal management within their respective units.