ARCHITECTURAL THESIS-2012

SYNOPSIS

SPIRITUAL CENTER AND ASHRAM COMMUNITY

AT

THIRUVANNAMALAI

SUBMITTED BY
B.AISHWARYA
08AR01
Introduction:
Spirituality is the concept of an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling
a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the "deepest values and meanings by which
people live." Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to
develop an individual's inner life. Spiritual experiences can include being connected to a larger
reality, yielding a more comprehensive self; joining with other individuals or the human
community; with nature or the cosmos; or with the divine realm. Spirituality is often experienced
as a source of inspiration or orientation in life. It can encompass belief in immaterial realities or
experiences of the immanent or transcendent nature of the world.

Spiritual architecture is an architectural practice concerned with the design and construction of
places of worship and/or sacred or intentional space, such as temples, churches, mosques,
stupas, spiritual centers, synogauges, and. Many cultures devoted considerable resources to their
sacred architecture and places of worship. Religious and sacred spaces are amongst the most
impressive and permanent monolithic building created by humanity.

There are various physical elements that influence how we experience a particular piece of
architecture. Aside from the obvious symbolic elements of spiritual architecture, there are other
aspects of the design that have a tremendous impact on us. Light and proportion are two of these.

There is a universal feeling of spirituality that should be strived for. Human beings have a natural
inclination to the building environment. The work analyses the natural inclination and the
reasoning being the purpose and results of this longing. The purpose is not to argue the existence
of any entity or the validity of religion or spirituality on society as a whole. The focus will range
from the architectural elements that influence the spirituality of space to the manifestation of
cultural influences in these spaces. Along with the built environment it is important to
understand the spiritual contributions of outside spaces. These naturally forming spaces such as a
forest or a cave can have significant effect on the human psyche. These spaces bring us closer to
the “universal oneness” that is called by many names but is experienced by all people.
Aim:

 To create an ambient spiritual center and ashram where people’s path towards a higher
state of awareness, perfection of one's own being, wisdom, or communion with God or
with creation myths.

Objectives:
 To study varies spiritual center and understand the living environment.
 To understand the physical and psychological aspects of these buildings.
 To study in detail about various spaces in ashram community and their integration and
connection with nature.

Scope of study:
 The study will give a clear idea on various spaces in spiritual center and ashram
community and their integration and connection with nature.

Methodology:

Stage 1
 Data collection- all data pertaining to the design for spiritual center and ashram-
their physical and psychological needs and requirements
 The features and characteristics of the site- site study with a detailed analysis on
the on-site and off-site factors.
 Understanding the evolution of spirituality with relation to religion and the
influence of nature.
Stage 2
 Case studies and literature studies on existing spiritual centers
Isha yoga , Coimbatore
Matrimandir, Aurovile
  Framing the requirements and units based on the studies, fixing the spatial zoning
at site level.
 Concept planning for the whole site
Stage 3
 Planning of built spaces and open spaces in the area, and other facilities.
 plans, sections and elevations
 3d model of site and building

Stage 4
 Detailed and finalized plans, sections and elevations
 Final site plans with details of plants, materials.
 Manual model to scale
 Detailed material specifications and sketches of the details
 Presentation drawings

SITE:
The site is located in thiruvannamalai. Site extent is 32 acres.
The potential of the site is:
It is located at the foot of the Annamalai hill, with lot of greeneries.
It is located to the west of the town, away from the busy town.