MEDITATION CENTER STANDARDS AND NORMS

POOJA D. OSWAL FIFTH YEAR B. ARCH. PAD.D.Y.PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE.

1) SHAPE OF THE MEDITATION HALL : The shape of the meditation hall plays a major role in the atmosphere created inside it. Pyramids, domes or spherical shapes can attract an observer. Circular or octagonal shapes can give more spaciousness to the hall and they create a focal point. Circular halls normally face problems of focusing of sound, created echoes. thus they are not generally preferred.

 The height of the structure also shall be proportional to the size of the hall so as to obtain an appropriate volume of the hall.

2) FLOORING The flooring is the meditation hall should not be slippery so as to avoid accidents by slipping. The flooring should be such that not succumb to varying climatic conditions. i.e. the flooring should not become too cool in winters or too warm in summers. The flooring use should be of mild colors and not harsh that would hit the eyes of the people meditating in the hall. The flooring used shall be of suitable sound absorbing material.

LIGHTING Extreme care has to be taken while designing lighting conditions for meditation hall.

In a meditation hall, harsh lighting and glare should be avoided, as it can be disturbing. Even though the eyes are closed, even a slightest glare can hamper the concentration of the meditator and disturb his peace of mind. North light and diffused light serves as the best options for this purpose. Glare can be avoided by : Avoiding contrast. Indirect lighting system by use of filament and fluorescent lamps. Using shading devices. Using north light.

VENTILATION

Ventilation is a very important factor to taken into consideration while designing a meditation hall.

 A constant air change inside the meditation hall is very essential as the body of the meditator produces considerable amount of heat during meditation. The rate of air change for a meditation hall is 3 to 4 cubic meter/person/hour. Natural ventilation should be preferred as far as possible until no acoustical problems arise. The wind direction should also be taken into consideration. The objectives of ventilation are : Adequate admission of fresh air. To prevent excessive humidity inside the hall. Maintaining the required level of oxygen. Avoiding any draughts. Fresh, un odoured air should replace the state air inside the hall under controlled conditions.

5) Acoustics : A meditation hall requires extremely peaceful atmosphere free from noise pollution. There are two types of noise,which can adversely affect the concentration of the meditator. External noises : To prevent such noises : Distance from source of sound. Screening by trees,etc. Planning openings of the half way away from the noise source. Non-noise sensitisve parts can act as barrier between noise source and the hall. External insulating building envelopes can be used.

 Internal noises : To prevent such noises: Production of the noise at the source of the sound. Use of sound absorbent materials. Separation of quiet and noisy areas by planning them at a distance from each other. Placing noisy equipments away from areas while silence is desired. Flooring and similar surfaces should be of resilient materials so as to avoid noises by impact. Reduction of air borne sound transmission by noise insulating construction. Reduction of structure borne sound transmission by discontinuous construction. Distance is an effective way to deal with sound problems. Every doubling of distance will reduce the noise level by 6Db. Screening by trees,fences,plantations,walls etc. can be beneficial to reduce the noise reaching the building .The barrier created will act in the most effective way when placed as close to the source as possible.

6) COLOUR SCHEME The colour scheme should be such that it creates a harmonious,soothing effect. Pale shades of blue, brown or white make the walls feel light. Dark colour seem very heavy and dominating and hence not preferred. Cream,off-white or white sare usually preferred.

LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDITATION CENTRE ENVIRONMENT:

Environment directly affects both mental and physical state of a man.in natural ,free environment ,worries ,tensions and other materialistic things like money ,prestige ,etc. are sided and is in complete harmony with himself. Environment planning is a major factor in planning a meditation centre. the environment to be created in such a centre should be such that it should be conductive to spiritual harmony and where one can be with nature. the main objective of environmental planning is to create a serene atmosphere where one can feel free and can meditate wholeheartedly. These effects are achieved by judicious planning of buildings ,by proper use of landscaping and by achieving integrity. TEMPERATURE: Temperature control inside the building is a very important factor. Facing of walls can affect temperature conditions in the building. E.g. walls facing the east receive a maximum heat at around 10.00 in the morning. Windows on this walls if are made of glass ,are practically transparent for short wave infra red radiation emitted by the sun ,but at the same time they are virtually opaque to long wave radiation emitted by the objects inside the room . The consequence is that the radiant heat once enter ed the room through the window gets trapped inside the building. ENVIORNMENTAL CONTROLS: Environmental controls with landscape elements can be done very effectively. Landscape elements like shrubs and plants planted in and around the buildings provide the cool and balanced environment. Lawns help in achieving dust free atmosphere and also help in reduction of radiation by absorption and reduction by glare. In summer courtyards with water pools help to cool the atmosphere. Water channels, pools, fountains can change the local climate and lower temperature by avg. 4-5 degrees. Dense tree or shrub plantations also help effectively to reduce the heat and also change wind directions.