Young Designers 2011

		Young Designers 2011
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Upasana Jain | itsupasana@gmail.com

Spiritual Retreat Centre

Exhibition Design | GDPD
Guide: Tanishka Kachru
Sponsor: ABM Architects, Mumbai

Keywords
Spiritual Retreat
Multi-sensorial
Metaphysical Experience
Tropical Architecture

For my diploma project, I had to design a Spiritual Retreat Centre at Bellary, Karnataka, for Mr. Janardhana Reddy. The centre was designed to create a space that could accommodate the different forms of meditation. Built in the middle of the rocky terrain in an area famous for its mines, it lacks architectural definition and hence strikes a contrast to its surroundings.

The materials and lighting that have been used in this building encourage a sense of introspection and peace. A deep understanding of psychological properties of materials, light and space spell out the architectural vocabulary which combines the traditional and contemporary forms and elements of place. The roof forms, which are supported by ornate timber columns, symbolize the union between earth and heaven. A beam of light falling into the octagonal pool at the centre has been used to create an ambience that evokes a wide range of multi-sensorial experiences, transporting the visitor to another space. The smaller roof acts as a connected seating-zone. The architecture highlights the sensual aspects such as tactility, lightness, tranquillity and transparency of traditional built structures.

I conducted a detailed research on the phenomenology of place, the link between meditation and architecture and nature of environmental behaviour and experience, especially in terms of built environment. I also suggested as to why such places are important and how architecture and environmental design can be a vehicle for place-making.

The scope of work provided me with a great opportunity to enhance my academic learning and work with teams of experts. It was a holistic experience in design, right from its conceptualization to detailing.