MULTICONGREGATINAL

SANCTUM

CONTENTS
SYNOPSIS
INTRODUCTION
CASE STUDIES
LITERATURE STUDIES
STANDARDS
SITE SELECTION
SPACIAL REQUIREMENTS
SITE ANALYSIS
CONCEPTS AND THEMES
DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND PARAMETERS
DESIGN PROPOSAL
BIOBILOGRAPHY

SYNOPSIS
The mutual approach of religions, already started today, may promote the construction of
multi-congregational temples in a number of religious centres of the world (e.g. Benares,
Rome, Istanbul, Mecca, Moscow, London, cities of the New World, China, Japan, etc. It is
worth to notice, that in the town of Delhi at the end of the 20th century a Temple of Nine
Religions was built)The image of this project is the whole mankind in India can make a
protoimage for inspiring such new type of temples and its realization, in turn, may be their
ultimate result.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

To create a space where people from far and near witness the different succeeding
religions originated in India in time while building the cultural heritage.
To provide general spaces for community services.
To facilitate a space which functions as a source of learning and development of each
of the faiths.
To complement the environmental and cultural context of our culture.
Arts like Yoga coupled with religion have played an important role in the evolution
and existence of spirituality in India. To develop a space in order to protect and nurture
this art and help in the existence of the being.
To facilitate the undertaking of research in this field.
To interweave technology and science to aid learning the town or city and, even
further, at how the city interacts with the earth.
To balance education and work with leisure, allowing visitors to relax, renewing,
recognitions and confrontation of oneself.
Because this thesis project is an Institute for being and the design was approached
taking into account that the whole of the building cannot exist without the parts which
make it, since for a being to exist all three aspects (mind, body and soul) must work
hand in hand.
It is of the utmost importance to see the building as a whole and then to look beyond
and see how the building acts within.
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SCOPE
The building is intended to host a variety of spaces that encourages spiritual grounding and
also add up the spirit of holistic living.

The program was developed with the attitude that this centre would provide spaces that
would promote wellness and self-betterment.

Combining leisure, nutrition, health, and education under one space.

Research on this subject to improve and protect the cultural heritage and flourish is also
important for ones country.

The Institute is meant to inspire the individuals motivation to achieve optimal knowledge of
the history of our culture.

To balance education and work with leisure, allowing visitors to relax, renewing,
recognitions and confrontation of oneself is very important especially for people living in
CBD areas to lead a stress free life.

Hence, there is an immense scope for this centre.

REQUIRMENTS
PHILATROPIC SPACE
LARGE MEETING SPACES FOR GROUP MEDITATION
INDIVIDUAL MEDITATING SPACES
EXHIBITION AREA
GALLERY
LIBRARY
RESEARCH CENTRE
PUBLIC PLAZA
EXTERIOR GREEN SPACES
SUPPORT SPACES
YOGA AREA
CAFE
DINNING AREA
AMPHITHEATER
FESTIVAL HALL

AREA REQUIRED: 55 acres

LOCATION :Mysore
Site selection

Availability Of contours.
Good access to the site.
Good foreground and background for the design.
Visual accessibility to the site
To check whether there is no any noise industries near-by.

CAPACITY: 5000 people

CASE STUDY: THE ART OF LIVING - BANGALORE
LITERATURE STUDY: LOTUS TEMPLE DELHI

General requirement

Calm environment.
Future expansion.
Preferably close to nature with existing dense vegetation and good landscape feature.
Near CBD area.
Good connectivity with major CBD area.

LIMITATIONS
Religions are more than handed down history that has percolated into ones day to day life, hence while
designing this centre one has to very careful and impartial.

In order to not undermine nor compromise the moral and spiritual values of the people, the limitation in this
project is not doing an inter faith spiritual centre.

Mainly concentrating on major religions originated in India.

PROJECT QUESTION
The thesis challenge lies in how to exhibit archive of the major religions of the world- originated in India.

The thesis challenge shall also lie in how a single space could harmonize the mind, soul and body combining
leisure, and education under one space.

INTRODUCTION:
Many believe that not only does architecture have the ability to affect us on an emotional
level, but it can also make physically ill or, on the other hand, heal our ailments. Architecture
has the ability to heal us, but it can also boost our energy and uplift our spirits.
India is mostly known for SPIRITUALITY.
People travel from far off nations to India in search of spirituality. They come here to give up
whatever is happening in their lives and seek enlightenment.

This is not well known, but four of the major religions of the world Hinduism, Sikhism,
Buddhism and Jainism originated in India and all most all the different religions are followed
by the people in India. Perhaps the rich and deep history is the reason for such a strong
cultural diversity. This aspect attracts thousands of tourists to visit it in various states every
year.

Indian civilization is more than five thousand years old. During this long period, it produced
a unique type of highly advanced and variegated culture. In spite of the innumerable
regional, social and linguistic diversities of the country, there has always been a basic unity
in Indian culture. The indestructible unity and unbroken continuity of Indian culture are
derived from its deep spiritual foundations.

Swami Vivekananda has pointed out that every civilization or culture has a particular lifecentre, a dominant characteristic or trend. According to him, the life-centre of Indian culture
is spirituality. By spirituality is meant a way of life oriented to the ultimate purpose or goal
of life which is the realization of the

The traditional Indian way of life has helped in the evolution and growth of Spiritualism.
Numerous cultures and religions have thrived and flourished together for ages and resulted
into the unique Indian way of life.

At different points in the history of our civilization, numerous spiritual leaders and saints
have delivered the message of peace, brotherhood and co-existence that is so very well
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rooted in our culture. Art like Yoga are coupled with religion have played an important role
in the evolution and existence of spirituality in India.

A subset of Ayurveda medicine is Yoga. Yoga uses both physical exercises and breathing
techniques to help you achieve physical and mental well-being.
Since people are so busy with their day to day life they dont find time for self-improvement
but the only time for where one is silenced and attain a state of peace is when he prays. So
the concept is not to take their religion away since it serves as the foundation to human in
our country which deepens the bond between the people.
The aim is to give this religion another dimension so that people live in harmony with each
other and that discrimination which people had is lost completely through this design in
future.
This design is approached in such a way that it gives a deeper thought and a closer look
towards all the religion and understand them. Creation of largest libraries, video libraries,
computer centre, grounds for carrying out forums and conferences will complete the program
of making India as a spiritual capital of the world.
The peak of these peace-making efforts would be the erecting of the ultimate temples
belonging to the whole of the mankind.
Even the function of these sanctuaries are all similar yet different.
As one has a different way of worshiping than the other, but the function is the same.
Therefore why not pray together?
As the saying goes by a family that eats, sleeps and prays together stays together.
This can also be just another way of bringing the people closer.

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RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

WHY TEMPLES ARE BUILT?
The temple is the focus for all aspects of everyday life in the Hindu community - religious,
cultural, educational and social. The temple is also the place where one can transcend the
world of man.
People believe that their lives are merely stages in the progression to ultimate enlightenment.
The temple is a place where God may be approached and where divine knowledge can be
discovered..
The temple is designed to dissolve the boundaries between man and the divine. Not merely
his abode, the temple is God. God and therefore by implication the whole universe is
identified with the temples design and actual fabric. The ground plan is perhaps the best
example.
The vastushastras describe it as a symbolic, miniature representation of the cosmos. It is
based on a strict grid made up of squares and equilateral triangles which are imbued with
deep religious significance.
To the Indian priest-architect the square was an absolute and mystical form. The grid, usually
of 64 or 81 squares, is in fact a mandala, a model of the cosmos, with each square belonging
to a deity. The position of the squares is in accordance with the importance attached to each
of the deities, with the square in the centre representing the temple deity; the outer squares
cover the gods of lower rank.

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Besides the ground plan there are other important aspects of the temple
which connect it to the phenomenal world - its site in relation to shade
and water, its vertical elevation relating to the mountains, and the most
sacred part, the garbagriha, relating to caves.
Sacred sites in India therefore, are usually associated with water, shade
and lakes of India are often considered to be sacred and they have
healing and purifying powers. Rivers such as the Ganges are thought to
have descended from the heavens, perhaps the Milky Way, and their
sacred water is needed in the temple tank.
The gods have always been attracted to mountains and they have great
mountains for the symbolism and appearance of the temple. There was
an impulse to create soaring towers that looked like mountain ranges.
Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas is the celestial abode of Shiva and the
Kailasa temple at Ellora us the architectural interpretation of this
mountain. To reinforce this symbolism temples were originally painted
white to make them look even more like snow covered mountains.
In India caves have always been thought of as places of great sanctity.
Most of the earliest surviving Buddhist, Jain and Hindu shrines are rock
cut caves. In later Hindu temples the garbagriha is designed to resemble
a cave. It is small and dark and the surfaces of the walls are unadorned
and massive.

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It is a place that encourages meditation which is possible only in

solitude. Approaching the shrine is a movement from open
spaces to a confined small space; from light to darkness, from a
profusion of visual form and decoration to the visual simplicity of
the cave. From this sanctuary the implied movement is vertical,
to the symbolic mountain peak directly above the image of the
god. This movement upwards is linked with the idea of
enlightenment which is identified with the crowning final of the
temple - the amalaka or sikara.
Most ancient stone temples were the result of royal patronage. Though
they were built for the benefit of the whole community, they were also an
expression of the devotion and peity of the ruler. It was thought that by
building a temple the patron would always have peace, wealth, grain and
sons. It might also ensure fame and even immortality. Sometimes temples
were built to celebrate important events. In the early eleventh century,
for example, the Chola king Rajendra built a Shiva temple at
Gangaikondacholapuram to celebrate his victory in the north.

ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTIC:
In design/plan of a temple, several parts of Temple architecture are considered,
most common amongst these are:

Jagati

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Jagatai is a term used

to refer a raised
surface, platform or
terrace upon which the
temple is placed.

Antarala
Antarala is a small
antechamber or foyer
between
the garbhagriha/
garbha graha (shrine)
and the mandapa,
more typical of north
Indian temples

Mandapa
Mandapa (or Mandapam) (is a term to refer to pillared outdoor hall or pavilion for
public rituals
Sreekovil or Garbhagriha the part in which the idol of the deity in a Hindu temple is
installed i.e. Sanctum sanctorum. The area around is referred as to
the Chuttapalam, which generally includes other deities and the main boundary wall
of the temple. Typically there is also a Pradakshina area in the Sreekovil and one
outside, where devotees can take Pradakshinas

Shikhara
Shikhara or vimanam literally means "mountain peak", refer to the rising tower over
the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most prominent
and visible part of a Hindu temples.

Amalaka
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An amalaka is a stone disk, often with ridges, that sits on a temple's main tower
(Shikhara)

Gopuram
Gopuras (or Gopurams) are the elaborate gateway-towers of south Indian temples,
not to be confused with Shikharas.

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WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE "GOPURAM" IN INDIAN

TEMPLES?
The temples ground plan is based on a mandala. A sacred geometric diagram of
the essential structure of the universe. It usually faces the east, the direction of
the rising sun. The shikara, the tower built exactly over the inner sanctum, may
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represent either Mount Meru, the centre of the universe in some Hindu myths, or
a means of access to the higher and more sacred spheres
In the south of India, the shikhara is often referred to as the vimana, though this
term is also used to designate the entire structure in which the main shrine is
located.

WHY MOSQUE ARE BUILT?

From Indonesia to the United Kingdom, the mosque in its many forms is the quintessential
Islamic building. The mosque, masjid in Arabic, is the Muslim gathering place for
prayer. Masjid simply means place of prostration. Though most of the five daily prayers
prescribed in Islam can take place anywhere, all men are required to gather together at the
mosque for the Friday noon prayer.
Mosques are also used throughout the week for prayer, study, or simply as a place for rest
and reflection. The main mosque of a city, used for the Friday communal prayer, is called
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a jami masjid, literally meaning Friday mosque, but it is also sometimes called a
congregational mosque in English. The style, layout, and decoration of a mosque can tell us a
lot about Islam in general, but also about the period and region in which the mosque was
constructed.

COMMON FEATURES:
The architecture of a mosque is shaped most strongly by the regional traditions of the
time and place where it was built. As a result, style, layout, and decoration can vary
greatly. Nevertheless, because of the common function of the mosque as a place of
congregational prayer, certain architectural features appear in mosques all over the
world.

MIHRAB
A mihrab, also spelled as mehrab is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates
the qibla. That is, the direction of
the Kaabain Mecca and hence the direction
that Muslims should face when praying. The wall in
which a mihrab appears is thus the "qibla wall."

Domes

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The domes, often placed directly above the main prayer

hall, may signify the vaults of heaven and the sky. As time
progressed, domes grew, from occupying a small part of the
roof near the mihrab to encompassing the whole roof above
the prayer hall. Although domes normally took on the shape
of a hemisphere, the Mughals in India popularized onionshaped domes in South Asia. Some mosques have multiple,
often smaller, domes in addition to the main large dome
that resides at the centre.

PRAYER HALL:
The prayer hall, also known as
the musallah, rarely has furniture;
chairs and pews are generally absent
from the prayer hall so as to allow as
many worshipers as possible to line
the room.[70] Some mosques
have Islamic calligraphy and Quranic
verses on the walls to assist
worshippers in focusing on the beauty
of Islam and its holiest book, the Quran, as well as for decoration.

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THE DOME - SYMBOL OF POWER

A simple definition of a dome is a hemispherical semi-eliptical roof, built of stone, timber,
metal or glass. There have been a suggestion that the circular huts used by nomadic tribes
may have had some impact. The dome appears to be a general symbol, signifying power,
the royal city, the focal point of assembly; it can therefore serve both religious and secular
purposes. Its outward visible appearance does not truly help us to understand, interpret or
identify any building. The dome is, of course, a cosmic symbol in every religious
tradition; and symbolically, in Islam the dome represents the vault of heaven in the same way
as the garden prefigures Paradise,
Church is the English translation of the Greek word ekklesia. The use of the Greek term
prior to the emergence of the Christian church is important as two streams of meaning flow
from the history of its usage into the New Testament understanding of church.
First, the Greek term which basically means called out was commonly used to indicate
an assembly of citizens of a Greek city
A church is a building that was constructed to allow people to meet to worship together.
These people are usually Christians, or influenced
by Christianity. Some other religious groups also
call their religious buildings churches.
Depending on the number of people that are in a
community, the churches come in different sizes.
Small churches are called chapels. The churches in
a particular geographical area form a group called
the diocese. Each diocese has a cathedral. In most cases, the cathedral is a very big church.
Cathedrals are the seat of bishops.
Orientation of churches is the architectural feature by which the point of main interest in
the interior, where the altar is placed, often within an apse, is towards the east.

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THE PARTS OF A CHURCH

The nave is the main part of the church where the congregation (the people who come to worship) sit.

The aisles are the sides of the church which may run along the side of the nave.

The transept, if there is one, is an area which crosses the nave near the top of the church. This makes
the church shaped like a cross, which is a symbol of the belief that Jesus died on the cross.

The chancel leads up to the altar at the top of the church. The altar is in the sanctuary. The word
sanctuary means sacred place. People were not allowed to be arrested in the sanctuary, so they were
safe. The altar is usually at the east end of the church. People in the church sit facing the altar. We say that
the church faces east.

Churches will also have a tower or steeple, usually at the west end. If the church has a transept the
tower may be above the centre of the transept.

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Festivals of India:
India is a land of festivals, where people from different religions coexist harmoniously. The
wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and
traditions. While the celebrations happen all over the year, October till January is the time
when the country can be seen at its vibrant best.
Here is a quick list of the most famous festivals of India.

1. Diwali
Diwali, the most prominent
Hindu festival of India, is
celebrated with a lot of pomp
and show. During this festival of
lights, houses are decorated with
clay lamps, candles, and Ashok
leaves. People wear new clothes,
participate in family puja, burst
crackers, and share sweets with
friends, families, and neighbors.
Significance: The festival marks
the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile
of 14 years.
Key attractions: Homes decorated with fancy lights, candles and clay lamps, bustling shops
and markets, and fireworks and crackers
When: The darkest new moon night of Kartik month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which
corresponds to mid-October mid-November as per the Gregorian Calendar
Where: All over the country

Holi:
Also known as the festival of colors, holi is one of the famous festivals of India, celebrated with a
lot of fervor across the country. On the eve of Holi, people make huge Holika bonfires and sing
and dance around it. On the day of Holi, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colors
of multiple hues to each other, with some carrying water guns and colored water filled balloons.

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Significance: It signifies the victory

of good (Prince Prahlad) over evil
(Holika) and the arrival of spring.
Key attractions: Holika bonfire,
playing with colors, and bhang
thandai
When: Full moon (Purnima) of the
Phalgun month of the Hindu
lunisolar calendar, which
corresponds to the month of March
of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Almost all over the country;
most vibrant celebrations can be
seen in North Indian states

Dusshera
Dussehra, also referred to
as Vijayadashami, is also among the
most famous festivals of India. It is
celebrated in different forms
countrywide. Ramlila(enactment of
scenes from Ramayana) is held
everywhere for 10 days. Its culminated
with Ravan Dahan the burning of
huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and
kumbhakaran which is a real spectacle
to see.
Significance: It celebrates the death of
the demon king Ravana at the hands of
Lord Rama.
Key attractions: Hustle bustle of the
decorated markets, Ram-leela acts, and the big event of the burning of effigies of Ravana,
Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran
When: 10th day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which
corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Pan India

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Gurupurab:
On the most important Sikh
festival of India, special
assemblies on the lives and
teachings of the gurus, and
langars (community meals) are
organized in the gurudwaras.
Karah Prasad is distributed among
all, and hymn chanting
processions are held in the city.
People light up their homes with
lamps and candles and burst
crackers to celebrate Gurpurab.
Significance: It is the celebration of the anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Key attractions: The soulful Bhajan-Kirtan (hymns), Gurbani in the Gurdwaras, the Langar and
the Karah Prasad
When: The full moon day in the month of Kartik of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which
corresponds
to November of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in Punjab

Eid-Ul-Fitr
Eid is one of the major festivals of India
for the Muslim community. People dress
up in fineries, attend a special
community prayer in the morning, visit
friends, and relatives and exchange
sweets. Children are given idi(money or
gift) by elders.
Significance: It celebrates the
conclusion of the holy month of fasting
called Ramadan.

sweet dishes.

Key attractions: The beautifully decked

up markets and mosques, the morning
Eid namaz at the mosques, and the

When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar, which corresponds to
July of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by Muslims all over the country

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OBSERVATION:
As per observation, it is very true that temples are built on top of the hills. Not only temples,
but have a look at all the mosques, churches, and all the monuments in the history like the
pyramids and Eiffel tower have structures which are very high.
The sole reason for this is that God is assumed to be in the sky. Somewhere up in the sky is
what is preached in almost every religion.
In olden days, humans always tried to reach God by going as high as they can. Thus they
believed they will please God if they are nearer to him.
Pyramids are great example of this. A pyramid is a great way to reach the highest point with
the most stable structure.
Also, in the olden days, the temples were an important place for social activities. The
temples on hill-tops will easy visibility to functions, pujas etc. being held there.
Finally, the hill-top provide silence which is also a must for meditation and worship.
Even though the function of these sanctuaries are all similar yet different.
As one has a different way of worshiping than the other, but the function is the same.
Therefore why not pray together? As the saying goes by a family that eats, sleeps and prays
together stays together.
This can also be just another way of bringing the people closer. \
Even though the way of praying is different, the way of celebrating every festival with
different religions coexist harmoniously

LIVE CASESTUDY
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THE ART OF LIVING ASHRAM

The ashram is located in the suburbs of Bengaluru. The ashram is a beautiful place and one can visit
here for the art of living and discovering oneself.
It is guided by sri sris philosophy of peace.
To help individuals get rid of stress and experience inner peace.
It was founded in 1982.
The unique programmes are based on ancient breathing techniques, meditation, and modern group
dynamics and cater to every age group and sections of society.

LOCATION : Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, 21st Km,

Kanakapura Road, Udayapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560082
The main ashram is a campus located 40km from Bangalore off kanakpura road.
It is a 70 acres site and is one of the tourist attraction of Bangalore.

CLIMATE: Moderate with max temperature of 30 degree c

TYPOLOGY: Spiritual and recreational
TOPOGRAPHY: Hilly terrain
ACCESS & PARKING:
Access to the site is by 9 gates with security.
Access to certain places in the campus is
restricted.
No sheltered parking, and is at the entrance.
Shuttle service is provided and shuttle parking
is available at main junctions.
No separate path for pedestrian and shuttle
service.

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LAND FEATURES:

CONTOURS ON SITE

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IMPACT OF SITE CONDITIONS ON SITE:

The orientation of the buildings were along with the contours of the site.
The main structure (vishalakshi mantap) is placed at the highest grounds and creates a visual impact
and focal point,
The contours provide a platform for the centre to blend with nature and thus helps in Relaxation
through mental and physical exercise.

SPACES:
RADHA KUNJ LAKE: A visual paradise perfect setting for an
evening walk. It has an observation deck, mini amphitheatre,
landscaped areas, bird watch Krishna hall. Here an individual come
to meditate because of calm surrounding.

GOUSHALA: A cow shelter

protecting more than 300 cows. It uses
bovine by-products to manufacture
chemical.

VEDA AGAMA SCHOOL: Aims to

preserve the knowledge of Vedas and Vedic
science. The school provides free education
to over 350 students around the world..

VISHALAKSHI MANTAP: a predominant feature of the centre. This meditation hall

is 5 layered, lotus shaped structure built in memory of sri sris mother. It is conical shaped
and circular in plan with no intermediate pillar to improve the concentration in meditating.
The flooring is of marble which keeps the space cool.
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PANCHAKARMA: this Ayurveda centre is designed in

typical Kerala style. Use of Mangalore tiles for the roof, an open
court yard in between. It accommodates 16 rooms, a kitchen,
service room and a canteen. The landscape around consists of
important herbs and plants

ACCOMODATION:
Acharyas residence: located at a height with pleasant view and landscape. Accommodating a
living, dining, kitchen, 2 bedroom and a toilet.

DORMITORIES: for people who attend

various courses.
NEW VISHALA: accommodates females6people in a room. 45 rooms totally.
OLD VISHALA: accommodates
6people in a room. 75 rooms totally.

males-

INDIVIDUAL HOUSES: for permanent staff,

these houses are Nandi,
Ganesh, mahavir, riddhi, Buddha etc..
APARNA: 6 of three storied building have a
total of 215 rooms, each consisting of 4 single bed with toilets.
VASUKI: 2 storied building consisting of 250 rooms each room consists of five beds.
SIDDHI: 4 storied accommodation, circular in plan and 30 rooms.

GURU PADUKA VANAM:

A large oat is present in front of the mantap it is a
multipurpose space. The stepped seating are held in
shape by exposed wire cut brick retaining wall.

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SITE PLAN OF ART OF LIVING

HUMAN AND CULTURE:

This campus is situated 55kms from
Bangalore on the national highway
NH 209.
It is an emerging residential market,
development activities witnessed
catering to the demand of it/ its
populace working in electronic city,
Bannerghatta road and Banashankari.
Connectivity to the locations is
complimented by the nice road.
This town is famous for production of
silk and granite.
The special economic zone would house 50
factories targeting a total employment of 50,000
people and investment of nearly in 1250 crore.
Number of people visiting the ashram everyday400 (weekdays)
Number of people visiting ashram on weekends-550
Number of people visiting ashram when guruji is present- 1000
Number of people on day retreats are 600- 700

CONNECTIVITY:
Development such as metro phase-i and phase-ii further towards the nice junction and established
nice road are the major infrastructure activities and further this nice road connects to Mysore.
BIDADI RAILWAY STATION
KENGER RAILWAY STATION
NAMMA METRO STATION
KAGGALIPURA BMTC BUS STOP
BANASHANKARI BUS STAND
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ZONING:
The growth of the campus is in 2 parts. The zoning of spaces dont
have a pattern since it was not initially planned. The proximity of
spaces is far and add up to the concept of the campus. The layout has
a scattered growth.

FORM:
All spiritual spaces like the meditation hall, Veda school, panchakarma, secretariat etc. have similar
form.
They all have south Indian traditional architecture.
Having a veranda, open court yard, thatched roof etc...
All accommodations are constructed using rcc .
Including the dining hall, reception and admin office.
The yagnashala is constructed using truss for large span and not intermediate pillars.
There are small mantaps for the convenience of the visitors during sunny and rainy days.
AESTHETICS:
Spatial distribution: the spaces are basically spread out linear in organisation.
Every space has an approximate of 20m distance between them.
Each space is distributed and connected to the main access through landscape.

STUDY OF OPEN SPACES:

About 90% of the campus is open space.
These open spaces have amphitheatre, lake deck, ponds,
etc...

SHADOW PATTERN:
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nature plays an important role here, using the plants, trees and rocks to create light and shadow.
Plants and trees reduces the harsh sunlight by 65% which is present along the hilly terrain.
Since most of the space is semi-open light and shadow play along.

STRUCTURE/MATERIAL/SERVICES:
Traditional roofing system using trusses.
For semi open spaces jalli work.
Cost effective construction.
Use of cricular trusses in the yagnashala mantapa for long and huge areas without using any
intermediate pillars.

Materials:
Use of Mangalore tiles for roofing purpose.
Use of bricks and stones for construction of strong buildings.
Use of shell structure for a small Allery.
Use of red oxide for flooring too keep the place cool.
Use of marble for the main mandala.
Muddy roads and use of perforated pathway.

VENTILATION AND LIGHTING:

Since most of the Structures are semi open the lighting and ventilations to
all the spaces are good.
And with help of vegetation the structure the travel of dust and fast wind
and too much of sunlight is cut off.

LANDSCAPE:
Red soil

32

The lowest point is at the entrance. As we move to the interiors the slope
increases.
The highest point in the main campus is the Vishal mantap.
The goushala is at ever higher.
Since topography is hilly terrain the views to the building and away is good with the scope of lot of
landscape and greenery.
Transforming of mind can be done only in calm surrounding, this is achieved here by providing lot
of landscape areas.

ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLY:

1) Power consumption per month: 160000 unit
2) Water consumption per month: 30 MLD

AMINITIES AND FACILITIES :

24 hour atm services
Emergency clinic
Departmental store
Travel desk
Drinking water outlets at various stations
Toilets at convenient location.
24 hours security service.

The centre undertakes numerous social welfare Activates.

SITE FEASIBILITY
BANGALORE:
LOCATION:
Chandapura Dommasandra Rd, Ramasagara Village, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560099

NEIGHBOURHOOD:

33

Srirangapattna,
Mandya,
Chanpattna,
Hasan ,
Tumkur,
Kolar tituvannamalai,
Vellur.

TOURIST SPOT:

Sri Nimishambha,
Sri Ranganthaswamy,
Ranganthittu bird sanctuary,
Mysore palace,
Chamundeshwari temple
Nandi hills

DEMOGRAPHICS
Fifth most populous urban agglomeration Bangalore's 523 billion (US$7.7 billion) economy
(200607 Net District Income) makes it one of the major economic centres in India,[134]
with the value of city's exports totalling 432 billion (US$6.4 billion) in 200405.[135] With
an economic growth of 10.3%, Bangalore is the second fastest-growing major metropolis in
India,[136] and is also the country's fourth largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
market.

LANDUSE:

INFERENCE:
Bangalore is one of the fastest growing city along with time.
Along with the growth of the cities it has made a tremendous change in the socio-economic
growth of the state and the country. There is a lot of scope for the centre but Bangalore
doesnt need it since there are already a number of spiritual centres existing.
34

SRIRANGAPATTANA

35

LOCATION:
Ganjam, Karnataka

NEIGHBOURHOOD:

Mysore,
Mandya,
Chanpattna,
Bangalore,
Belur,
Halebeedu,
Nanjangud.

TOURIST SPOT:

Dari daulat bagh,

Sri Nimishambha,
Gumbaz,
Sri Ranganthaswamy,
Ranganthittu bird sanctuary,
Mysore palace,
Chamundeshwari temple,
Bangalore etc...

DEMOGRAPHICS:
Srirangapatna had a population of 23,448. Males
constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Srirangapatna has an average literacy
rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female
literacy is 63%. In Srirangapatna, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

INFERENCE:
Srirangapatna has since time immemorial been an urban centre and place of pilgrimage.
Table shows how the share of own and devolved revenue has changed over the past five
years. In FY 2010-11, devolved revenue formed 74% of total revenue. Though there is
progress but still this project might not be feasible as its not practical.
Economically it wont be feasible. Though if the project got funds and the culture would add
on to the project it would not be feasible since the user group in that place is different from
to context required.

36

MYSORE
LOCATION:
Jevargi - Chamarajanagar Rd, Hosahundi, Karnataka 571311

NEIGHBOURHOOD:

Srirangapattna
Mandya,
Chanpattna,
Bangalore,
Belur,
Halebeedu,
Nanjangud.

TOURIST SPOT:

Dari daulat bagh,

Sri Nimishambha,
Gumbaz,
Sri Ranganthaswamy,
Ranganthittu bird sanctuary,
Mysore palace,
Chamundeshwari temple.

DEMOGRAPHICS:
In 2001, Mysore district density was at 385 people per sq. km.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHART.

37

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Mysore is proving to be the next IT hub in Karnataka after the phenomenal success of
Bangalore.
The government of India has recognised Mysore as number one among the 20 Tier II cities
of India for the promotion of the IT industry.

Landuse:
The total area of Mysore city, which was 7569 hectares in 1995, has increased to 9221
hectares in 2001, representing a growth rate of 22%. The total area is further expected to
increase to 15669 hectares by 2011

Traffic Characteristics
Heterogeneous mix of fast & slow moving vehicles
Current Vehicular Population 3.55 Lakhs Growth per
annum 8-9% Existing Scenario Increase in commercial &
tourism activities overall economic growth of city use of
personalized vehicles
Traffic Characteristics Shift of activities from Bangalore to
Mysore Improved connectivity like Blore-Mysore
Expressway, Bangalore-Mysore 4 Lane Highway, BroadGauge Railway connectivity & new Airport
The distance of Mysore airport to the site is 4.2 km
Software exports from Mysore were expected to double to about Rs. 850 crores in the
financial year 2006-07 from previous year's exports of Rs. 400 crores

INFERENCE:
Mysore is one of the most famous tourist spot especially
during dasara. Hence if a spiritual centre is located in this
place it would add on to the rich cultural a heritage value.
And since Mysore is going to be the next it hub in
Karnataka after the success in Bangalore it would benefit
the localities to balance education and work with leisure,
allowing visitors to relax, renew, recognitions and comfort
of oneself.

38

SITE FEASIBILITY CONCLUSION

From a perspective of peace and tranquillity needed for the people in the centre, it is very
important to select a site that is away from the noise and pollution. Therefore, accordingly
Mysore is a better option.

According to the user study in the case studies done, the centre is mostly used by CBD
workers who always live in stressed environment. People who come for day retreats tourists.

According to the chart, people with high income groups only use this centre more often and
hence, travellers wont mind travelling far off destination. So, Mysore could be the location.

39

SITE ANALYSIS
SITE: Gejjagali, Mysore, Karnataka.
LOCATION:
Between Latitude 1145' to 1240' N and
Longitude 7557' to 7715' E.

GEOLOGY:
The type of soil found in this district is red soil.

CLIMATE:
The temperature in the district varies from 15 deg. C in winters to 35 deg. C in summers.
Mysore district receives an average rainfall of 785 mm

NATURAL PHYSICAL FEATURES:

SOIL TYPE: Red soil

40

VEGITATION: coconut tree, Singapore cherry tree

HIGHEST POINT: 2352ft
LAKE: Dalvoy Lake.
MAN-MADE FEATURES: Scale of the developed area around
is 20% Roof form is SLOPED ROOF (MANGALORE TILES)
NO proper grouping or layout of buildings or setbacks.
The important sites around which will affect the site as well are
Mysore city centre -------------------------------------- 6Km
The Mysore airport ------------------------------------- 2.6km
The Chamundi hills ------------------------------------- 10 km
Bangalore city -------------------------------------------- 153km

CIRCULATION: There are two roads from which the

site can be accessed. One is the main road (jevargichamarajanagar rd.). And the other road is the
secondary road.

NEIGHBOUR CONTEXT:

HUMAN AND CULTURE:

POPULATION DENSITY AROUND: 500
people

FAMILY SIZE: Small family (5-6 people)

EMPLOYMENT: Self-employment.

41

Neighbourhood attitude towards the project was a form of

employment opportunity.

SHADOW PATTERN:
The shadow pattern created on the site is due to the natural vegetation
present.
Would be a positive approach to not touch the vegetation present
since it would protect the site from soil erosion.

SIZE & ZONING:

Mysore has very similar advantages in terms of climate, reasonably
good infrastructure, and human resources as Bangalore.
The congestion of IT/
proximity

BT industries in Bangalore, and the

Of Mysore, are causing more of these industries to locate at Mysore.

Mysore is therefore becoming a focus of development for IT/ BT and
other high-technology industries. Hence its apt to choose Mysore.
And since there is Mysore airport coming up 2.6 kms away from the proposed site development of
that area will rapidly increase.

SENSORY
Keeping in mind their wont be any high rise building and
disturb the view on the positive view side.

42

The site sloping towards the lake has one focal

point with a good backdrop for the lake.

Designing to gel with the site and surrounding

without disturbing the surroundings is the main
challenge.

Since the main road connecting to Mysore city and

airport has a clear view to the site it is a plus point
to attract people.

SITE IMAGES

43

SLOPE CONDITIONS:

SITE SECTIONS

SECTION AT BB

SECTION AT AA
44

SECTION AT CC

WHY MYSORE?
STRENGTHS

The strengths of the City are encapsulated in the following:

Old-world charm and confluence of heritage and culture
Salubrious climate
Planned city, having one of the oldest plan authorities in the country
High standard of education City growth (till recently) has
been gradual and well-managed
Low slum population (< 10%) Room to grow
Good linkages with Bangalore, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
The City benefiting from its proximity to Bangalore, and the
Push-effect on industry seeking to expand out of Bangalore.
upcoming airport, which could be a key reason as to Mysores
Development has been catching up from that of Bangalore.

Create other events beyond dasara

cultural vibrancy which is the source of tourist attraction

45

WEAKNESS:
The challenges that the city faces are:
Tourism industry in a status-quo for the past many years.

No attempt to convert into better public amenities, longer stays, and experiential
tourism
Or to convert my culture, and tourism hub

Inadequate transportation infrastructure.

Inadequate urban transport system

Inadequate bus system.

No local tourist shuttles, which are very important in a tourist city

Rail connectivity with Bangalore is poor & doubling still not on the fast-track
Can the city cope with increased growth of industry?
Bangalores congestion is forcing companies to look at alternatives, but can Mysore
absorb such investment, and still retain its heritage and culture?

46

LITERATURE STUDY:
THE LOTUS TEMPLE:

The lotus temple is open to all, regardless of religion. It serves as the mother temple of
the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city.
47

The Bahias laws emphasize that the spirit of the house of worship be that it is a gathering
place where people of all religions may worship god without denominational restrictions... It
was designed by fariburz sabha.

LOCATION: lotus temple road, shambhu dayal bagh, bahapur, kalkaji, New Delhi.

It is 12km away from the main city.

It is a 24 acres site and is one of the tourist attraction place.

CLIMATE: Tropical with great variations in temperature.

TYPOLOGY: worship place
DESIGN PRINCIPLE OF BAHAI TEMPLES:

NINE SIDES
NINE ENTRANCES
DOME
WALK WAYS AND GARDENS
DESIGN SHOULD RELATE CULTURE AND
ENVIRONMENT

CONCEPT:
Lotus flower signifies purity and peace. This symbol gives a modern and
contemporary form in the structure of the temple drawing into its sanctum, the
people from different races, culture and religion from all around the world.
DESIGN CHALLENGES:
Generation of form
Engineering challenge
48

Climatic challenge
Bahai faith
Financial restriction

49

SECTION

OF

THE

LOTUS

TEMPLE

50

The temple complex consists of the main house of worship; the ancillary block which houses
the reception center, the library and the administrative building; and the restrooms block.
The nine doors of the lotus temple open onto a central hall, capable of holding up to 2,500
people. All around the lotus are walkways with beautiful curved balustrades, bridges and
stairs, which surround the nine pools representing the floating leaves of the lotus. Apart from
serving an obvious aesthetic function, the pools also help ventilate the building.

LIGHT IN INTERIORS:
The whole superstructure is designed to function as a skylight.
The interior dome is spherical and patterned after the innermost portion of the lotus flower.
Light enters the hall in the same way as it passes through the inner folds of the lotus petals.
The central bud is held by nine open petals, each of which functions as a skylight.
The interior dome, therefore, is like a bud consisting of 27 petals, and light filters through
these inner folds and is diffused throughout the hall.

51

NEED FOR PASSIVE

COOLING TECHNIQUES:
The climate in Delhi is very hot for several months of the year, the degree of humidity varies,
it seemed as though the only solution for the ventilation problem would be air-conditioning
But it requires involves large amount of energy to maintain it. For a temple in India it is not
favorable.

COOLING METHOD ADOPTED:

Building as a chimney. The central hall of the temple is designed to function as a chimney,
with openings at top and bottom (stack affect). This ensures a constant drought of cool air
to pass over the pools in basement and hall cool air (heavy) is drawn from the bottom
openings and hot air (light) is emitted out from the top. This process is reversed in humid
days. The natural slope of land is used in creation of certain large basement at the level of
pools . The floor of auditorium is lowered by five steps so that they act as lovers for cool air
entering two sets of exhaust fans complement this system. The first of dome cools the
concrete shell and prevents transference of heat. The second set funnels air from the
auditorium to the cold basement for cooling and recycles it back.

DEMERITS:
Problem of glare
Problem of acoustics
Undesired identity

ANALYSIS:
Form plays the major role
Light and water are the only elements of ornamentation

52

THE MATRI MANDIR

The matrimandir (temple of the mother) is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners
of integral yoga, situated at the center of auroville initiated by mirra alfassa, the mother of
53

the sri aurobindo ashram. It is called soul of the city and is situated in a large open space
called peace. Matrimandir does not belong to any particular religion or sect.
LOCATION: auroville, bommayapalayam, tamil nadu

It is located in the center of auroville. It is 15kms away from Pondicherry and 370 kms away
from Bangalore.
A site, approximately 20 square kilometers of barren wasteland.
CLIMATE: Tropical monsoon climate.
TYPOLOGY: spiritual center
MATRI MANDIRS CONCEPTION:
In June 1965, the mother, sri aurobindo ashram,, universal town, to live in peace and
progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of
auroville is to realize human unity.
Park of unity consists of pavilion of truth or pavilion of [divine] love or pavilion of
the mother. Eventually she named this pavilion matrimandir, which means the mothers
shrine. The park of unity consists of twelve gardens representing the twelve attributes of
the mother. The matrimandir and its park of unity is surrounded by a lake.

54

MATRI MANDIR DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS1. Inner chamber - 12 meditation rooms and the main hall of matri mandir
2.outer chamber - 12 gardens ,amphitheatre,banyan tree ,inner park and the future lake .

Inner chamber: the spacious inner chamber in the upper hemisphere of the structure is
completely white, with white marble walls and white carpeting. In the center a pure crystalglass globe suffuses a ray of electronically guided sunlight which falls on it through an
opening at the apex of the sphere.
"The most important thing is this: the play of the sun on the center. Because that becomes the
symbol, the symbol of future realizations."
55

There are no images, no organized meditations, no flowers, no incense, no religion or

religious forms.
THE MOTHERS SYMBOL AND PETALS
The meditation rooms inside the twelve stone-clad 'petals' surrounding the matrimandir carry
the names and colors of the 'petals' in the mother's symbol:
Sincerity Peace EqualityGenerosityGoodnessCourage Progress ReceptivityAspiration PerseveranceGratitude Humility -

light blue
deep blue
blue violet
pure violet
reddish violet
red
orange red
orange
orange yellow
pale yellow
pale green
deep green

OUTER CHAMBER : The park of unity would consist of twelve gardens representing
the twelve attributes of the mother and that eventually the matrimandir and its park of
unity would be surrounded by a lake. A lone banyan tree is the geographical center of the
town. In 1968 aurovilles inauguration ceremony took place around a white urn, shaped like
a lotus bud, which now stands at the focus of a large amphitheater.

56

STRUCTURAL DETAILS:
The principal load carrying members of superstructure are the four pair of sickle shaped,
38m high reinforced concrete piers. Every other component is supported by these piers. Each
pair of piers is 2.1m .their thickness is 40m above ground level and various from 40cm to
70cm below.

57

The concrete beams are prefabricated each weighting half a ton. The nodes which join six
beams together were cast in situ using lost Ferro cement shuttering . The outer shell consist
of Ferro cement triangles, which were prefabricated in a workshop, lifted in place and then
grouted.

Ferro cement triangles being installed to create the matrimandirs outer shell
The columns are of 24-inch diameter, galvanized, seamless steel pipes, 8.65 mtr long,
weighing 830 kg each. There are 1415 golden discs and are made of stainless steel sheet with
gold plated. The leaf is so 85*85mm.

THE GOLDEN DISCS

THE HELIOSTAT AND LENS is controlled by a computer program, which moves a
mirror across the sun's path every day. This mirror projects sunlight into a lens that projects
the single sun ray down on the crystal. To make sure that the ray strikes the crystal exactly in
the center, a photo sensor is installed in the path of the ray itself and relays the data on the
ray's position to the computer, which in turn will adjust the ray to the correct position if
necessary.
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ZONING AND CONCEPTUAL STAGES

59

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