DISSERTATION

Year: 2021-22
Batch No. 19

CONTEMPLATIVE SPACES IN ARCHITECTURE

Undertaken by:
Shivika Agrawal
Enrollment No.: 17E1AAARM40P021
V Year B.Arch. (C)

Prof. ANUBHAV MITTAL Prof. ARCHANA SINGH RATHORE

GUIDE Aayojan School of Architecture COORDINATOR
ISI-4, RIICO Institutional Block,
Sitapura, Jaipur-302022
CONTEMPLATIVE
SPACES
RESEARCH QUESTION

1) What are qualities of a space that makes it contemplative ?

2)What parameters are considered while designing such a space?

HYPOTHESIS – Contemplative state of an user depends on the spatial Characteristics of a space

Aim – To understand and imply the spatial Characteristics of a space that makes a space contemplative.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study will focus on the qualitative parameters , landscape contemplation, form and geometry. The study will also focus on the comparitive analysis of the case-studies.

OBJECTIVE:

1) To understand the word Contemplative and various Architectural factors that make a spaces contemplative.
2) To understand the qualitative Parameters and Design Strategies used

3) To compare the built environment of various Identified cases

4) To conclude and suggest spatial arrangement of spaces and other factors that increase the engagement and promotion of art.
CHAPTALIZATION

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 3 : IDENTIFIED CASES OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

1.1 Background of the study 3.1 Primary Case-Studies
1.2 Criteria of selection 3.2 Secondary Case-Studies
1.3 Hypothesis 3.3 Factors affecting the intent of interaction
1.4 Aim
1.5 Objective CHAPTER 4 : ANALYSIS
1.6 Scope
1.7 Methodology 4.1 Survey Analysis
4.2 Comparitive Analysis of Case Identification

CHAPTER 2 : CONTEMPLATIVE SPACES AND ITS CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION

CHARACTERISTICS 5.1 Conclusion
2.1 Introduction 5.2 Recommendations
2.1.1 Contemplation Bibliography
2.1.2 Contemplative Spaces
2.2 Types of Contemplative Spaces
2.3 Significance of Contemplative Spaces
2.4 Design Strategies for incorporating Contemplative Spaces
2.4 Spatial requirements – survey
2.5 Relation between art and spaces and its effect
 Selection of Topic
Contemplative Spaces in Architecture

Formulating Research Questions

Hypothesis Statement:
Contemplative State of an User depends on the spatial characteristics of a space

Aims and Objectives

Understanding scope and Limitation of study

Understanding the spatial requirements of

Analyzing the qualitative parameters and design
the space
strategies used

Research Papers Literature Studies

Surverys Books
case-studies

Analysis
TOPIC - Contemplative Spaces in Arcitecture
Hypothesis - To objectify and analyze the qualities of Architecture that helps the user in achieving the act of contemplation.

OBJECTIVES SOURCES DATA REQUIRED

 
Definition of Contemplative spaces and its types Contemplative Spaces and its Characteristics
Books and papers

To understand the qualitative Parameters Secondary Data ,

and Design Strategies used Research Papers, Pdfs

To compare the built environment of various Books and internet, case studies
Identified cases
Contemplative Centre, US ;

Sanskriti Kala Kendra, New Delhi

JKK , Jaipur

Analysis from comparitive identified cases Author Conclusion and Recommendaion

Introduction

con·tem·pla·tion  
1. The act or state of contemplating. 
2. Thoughtful observation or study. 
The word contemplate is derived from the Latin word, meaning "to observe, especially in a space marked off for
observation". With the word space integrated into the actual origin of the word, inherently a concern for the relation
between the designed space and the act of contemplating arises.
The dictionary explains contemplation equals meditation on spiritual matters, but contemplation can’t be considered to
be an equivalent of meditation. Meditation is focussed on something or someone specific; a subject.
In modern society, the definition of contemplation is often used in a non-religious context. It is referred to as a mode of
profound self-reflection, the devotion is not necessarily addressed , but rather towards the essence of the subject’s own
spirit. In this research, only non-religious manifestations are considered.

What are Contemplative Spaces ?

Contemplative spaces are the spaces designed that create an environment where the act of contemplation can be achieved very easily.
These are not to be considered as isolated building typologies, just like churches or sanctuaries, but as integrated accessories for different building uses. The physical design responsible
for such movement can be a range of contexts, from sacred spaces such as religious buildings, to calming gardens, to spaces of refuge in vibrant urban centres.  

Contemplative
Built Configuration Unbuilt Configurations
Spaces
Types of Contemplative Spaces

1. Sanctuary mode 2. Theatric mode 3. Contemplation mode

This type entails architectural forms that simply provide
boundaries between the wider, presumably more prosaic,
environment.
The theatric mode involves architectural forms creating a
stage-setting or backdrop for theatrical spiritual activities. This
can be seen in most churches which feature raised pulpits or
stages where sermons can be performed.
This involves built configurations that serve as the actual
object of direct and purposeful, meditative attention. This
is when architecture not only facilitates a contemplative
experience, but is also crucial in instigating it.

Example : Example : Examples :

The Christian abbey or Traditional protestant cathedral is a clear The Temples in Cambodia like
monastery is a clear exaple of this mode, with its clear focus Angkor Wat and Borobudur are
example of a building in point on the altar and the spectacle of the prime examples of this, as is the
sanctuary mode. mass, the building has a clear facilitating iconic Hajj in Mekka
theatrical function, giving meaning
through its scale and impressive but
modest architecture
Qualities of a Contemplative Spaces
CASE STUDIES
3.1 Widhover Contemplative Centre

The Windhover Contemplative Center is a retreat on the Stanford campus, US with the aim of supporting self-renewal. During observation, contemplative elements are also present in the architecture to
form contemplative property. The three elements are contained in the Windhover Contemplation Center:

1) There are chairs and benches acting as center for contemplation,

2) glass walls, rammed earth walls, and rows of bamboos acting as frames to create boundaries, and

3) both natural and artificial references such as greeneries and paintings acting as vocal points.

Light also plays a role in this contemplative architecture in strengthening the relationship between contemplative elements and the resulting contemplative property . The following is an observation of
how light affects elements and also the contemplative property of architecture:

• Channelization in this building contributes to deepening the quality of imageability and the

• inhability of buildings. Light channelization is focused on the reference in the form of a

• painting to increase the focus and attention of people to the reference point in the building,

• increasing the impression and imageability of the reference.

Material choices play a significant role in the user experience of the space.
The space is composed primarily of three materials: stained oak, rammed earth,
and glass. The stained oak brings the interior light down to create a grotto
condition. Rammed earth walls use a mix of various materials to create elegant
striations. Glass is used to connect the spaces visually but separate them
processionally. The floor and benches are made of the same hand-planed stained
oak. From the gravel at the entry to the trees in the courtyard, each object is
carefully chosen to create a continuous color palette to reinforce a calming
atmosphere, enhancing the main refuge pattern.
 SANSKRITI KALA KENDRA , NEW DELHI.

LOCATION :
ARCHITECT – UPPAL GHOSH
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT- MOHAMMED SHAHEER

24
23
22
12 16
14 15
16
4
10 13 18
11 17 22 0. entrance 15. camping site
9 19 1. Barakhamba 16. studios
22 2. nursery 17. nahar
7 20 21 3. museum of Indian terracotta 18. ardha kund
4. courtyard 19. canopy
6 8
5. cafe 20. aangan
5 12 6. canteen 21. haveli ( Owner’s
1 n 7. museum of everyday art Residence)
4 2 25 8. baithak ( Admin ) 22. Services
3 9. museum shop 23. washing area
10. textile museum 24. ceramic centre
0 11. kund 25. thandi sarak
MAIN ENTRANCE 12. kitchen
13. manch ( Amphitheatre )
14. gaon ( village complex )
 Exhibition Space : STUDIOS: COMPLEMENTING THE
MUSEUMS ARE
SELECTED POTTERS THERE ARE 8 STUDIOS IN
RESIDENTIAL
FROM ALL OVER 2 BLOCKS PLACED
FACILITIES AND
INDIA AND ABROAD ALONG THE ‘NAHAR’
WHERE PARTICIPANTS WORKING SPACE FOR
ARE INVITED TO
FROM AROUND THE CRAFTS PERSONS
DEMONSTRATE
WORLD CAN LIVE AND WHERE ONE CAN
THEIR SKILLS FROM
SOMETIMES GET AN
TIME TO TIME . WORK .
OPPURTUNITY TO SEE
THEM AT WORK.
BAITHAK : Owner’s
2 Residence
4 •THIS IS THE RESIDENCE
OF MR. O.P.JAIN – THE
MOTIVATOR OF THE
KENDRA. IT IS A SINGLE
22 STORYED STRUCTURE
1 DESIGNED IN SQUARISH
20 22 FORM WITH
21 INTERSECTING
8 PYRAMIDAL ROOFS .
1 n •ALL ROOMS ARE
ARRANGED AROUND
CENTRAL COURTYARD-
0 AANGAN
Admin Block :
Gaon ( Village Complex) :
THE BAITHAK IS THE ‘ COMMON ROOM’ OF GAON COMPRISES OF
THE KENDRA, HOUSING FACILITIES SUCH CLUSTER OF HUTS MEANT
AS DINING ROOM , CONFERENCE ROOM FOR RURAL CRAFTSMAN TO
AND OFFICE . WORK AND RESIDE .
•THE BAITHAK IS DESIGNED IN SPLIT •EACH UNIT IS A SINGLE
LEVELS . STORIED STRUCTURE ,
Entrance of the Center
COMPRISING OF LIVING /
•THE BUILDING CAN BE ENTERED FROM SLEEPING , KITCHEN ,
VARIOUS LEVELS TOILET .
Jawahar Kala Kendra CONNECTIVITY :
Jaipur Airport-7 km
Architect-Charles Correa Jaipur Gandhinagar Riway Station-1.5 km
Construction-1992 High Court Circh Bus Stop-100 m
Clients-Rajasthan Art & Culture DepartmentSMS Stadium Metro Station-1,7 km
Site Area-38445 sqm
Ground coverage-15% ACCESS:
The site is well connected with roads and streets touching the site on three
sides.

This Study comprises of Zoning and
Circulation , Planning, Climate
Responsive architecture, and Spatial
Features of JKK
CLIMATE :
Jaipur has a hot semi-arid climate it receives over 63 cm of rainfall annually,
but most rains occur in the monsoon months between June and Septem ber
Temperatures remain relatively high during summer & can go upto 450
Temperatures in winter days.
Zoning And Circulation

The centre is made in 8 blocks incorporating Art gallery, theatres, libraries, museums, studios, administrative spaces, workshops and cafeteria. Two of the most active areas are
Cafeteria and Amphitheatre.

Museum / Gallery Internal Circulation

External Circulation
Learning Spaces
Main Features:
• Grid-Iron Planning
Recreational Spaces
• Central Courtyard
Entry 2 •
Two major Axes
Administration area • In this, entry 1 is
pedestrian entry while
entry 2 is vehicular entry.

Entry 1

Solid
Void Solid

Fig - Scale of unit doesnt overpower us and also makes the ground
spaces feel larger and nt claustrophobic
Response to Climate : Features :

Softscape

Hardscape

• Material : Red sand marble stone and white

• Vastu symbols on facade of each unit
• Small punctures on walls for ventillations.
• Smaller openings
• Central courtyard bring in light and air

Jkk has a peaceful sorrounding environment, well designed

pathways, art galleries and well planned formal and informal
community areas making it a great place for artists achieve
mindfulness/ act of contemplation.
Glossary of terms :

CONTEMPLATION -
Contemplative Space
Manifestation -
Prosaic-
Altar -
QUALITATIVE PARAMETER -
USER INTERPRETATION -
Bibliography :

• The art of contemplation: mindfulness in galleries | Blog | Royal Academy of Arts

• Art and Contemplation: How Artists are Creating Mindful Spaces with their Work - BeautyHarmonyLife
• --Contemplative Spaces: towards a new design approach (neuroarchitectura.com)
• The Effects Of Contemplative Architecture (architecturecompetitions.com)
• thespaces.com
• Making use of that contemplative space that’s essential for creating art that lives - The Sunday Guardian Live
• rereeti.org
• Contemplative Art – The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society
• Philip Brown: Contemplative Art - A Supreme Gift - The Culturium –
• Contemplative Art - the contemplative academy​
• An Exploration of Contemplative Practice in the Life of the Art Therapist (lmu.edu)
• orsl.stanford.edu
• How Contemplative Spaces in Architecture Deepen Connection | Maria Lorena Lehman | MLL Atelier
• Windhover Contemplation Center - (world-architects.com)
• https://www.guggenheim.org/blogs/checklist/lets-talk-art-finding-a-path-to-contemplation
• The Characteristics of Contemplative Art (dougwestendorp.com)
• Art: Contemplation and Solving Artistic Problems | by Troy Camplin | Conscious Paradoxalism | Medium
• Layout 1 (virginia.edu)