SAI

BABA M AN D IR
TEM PL E

bangalore, india

B U I L D I N G I N F O R M AT I O N //

geography + history

B U I L D I N G I N F O R M AT I O N //

Sai Baba

SAI BABA OF SHIRDI

P H I L O S O P H Y //

form + order

The theory was to design a temple with a main priority of

creating additional space for devotees within a tight site
situated along a dense narrow street. At the same time
certain sacred places and rituals associated with them had
to be respected and retained. The architect attempted to
create a contemporary interpretation of a Hindu temple with
a contemporary shape, while conveying a divine atmosphere.
It was important to create an architectural form which could
still communicate to the local devotees who had been
visiting the old temple for years. The image of the traditional

MAHABODHI TEMPLE // Bodh Gaya, India

NAGARA SIKHARA OF RAMESHWAR TEMPLE

// Bhubaneswar, India

Sikhara was exploited through seperating layers and creating

planes through which light could filter in. The traditional
Sanctum Sanctorum is reinterpreted with just a simple oil
lamp glorifying light, surrounded by infinite dark spaces.
The enormous space creates a sense of infinite space with
the play of natural light thus creating a sense of divinity.
The design of the centre seeks to sensitively negotiate its
expression, interpreting the formal dictums of the traditional
Hindu temple and capturing the essence of spirituality,
rather than imposing new metaphors through its design.

SIKHARA, SAI MANDIR // Sanjay Mohe

INTERIOR, SAI MANDIR // Sanjay Mohe

C O N C E P T //

form generation

D O C U M E N TAT I O N //

form + section

D O C U M E N TAT I O N //

plans
PLAN // old temple complex

D O C U M E N TAT I O N //

movement

D O C U M E N TAT I O N //
wall structure

material + detail

S U R R O U N D I N G S //

environment

The area surrounding the temple complex is dense, with closely neighbouring white
buildings of 1 to 3 storeys. The temple itself stands out from its surroundings due to
its black exterior.
The neighbourhood is relatively quiet, however the temple is active at all times. The
street is closed off to vehicles every Thursday to allow for the huge crowds to move
freely through the space.
Despite the density of the building footprints, there are sparse elements of nature in
the form of palm trees scattered around the streets. Directly outside the temple there
are a small handful of shops selling religious articles to temple visitors. The majority
of neighbouring buildings, however, are apartments.

A N A LY S I S //

key characteristics

A N A LY S I S //

key characteristics

S A N J AY M O H E //

Mindspace Architects

Sanjay Mohe is one of the most respected and highly awarded architects in
India. Deeply concerned with sustainability, his designs venerate simplicity,
stripping away the extraneous and irrelevant. His concepts are rooted in Indian
culture and tradition. Mindspace, the architectural firm he leads, has become
synonymous with excellence in the 8 years of its existence. An alumni of Indias
first architectural institute, JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai, Sanjay Mohe
honed his skills and design philosophy working along with renowned names in
the field such as Charles Correa, Chandravarkar and Thacker Associates. His
portfolio straddles a wide spectrum of projects including research laboratories
(Dr Reddys lab), knowledge parks (ICICI Innovation Corridor), campuses (IIM
Bangalore Hostel Block, IISC Digital library), temples, (Sai Mandir), factories,
resorts, libraries, corporate offices, hospices and residences. Sanjay Mohe is
known to pick and choose only those projects that appeal to his creative spirit.

examples of his work

inspiration

JUBILEE CHURCH, ROME // Richard Meier

SRI RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE, SRIRANGAM //

India, 984 A.D.