Book case study review

Case Study :- Dhamma Guna(Madhya Pradesh)

Book Name:- physiological impact on meditation center
Book Author:-Dibesh Man Manglo

Class:- S.Y.B.Arch(B)
Subject:- Architectural Design-3
Group Members:-
Anushree Kale
Parth Sasane
Pratik Shedage
Ravisha
Tejas Padalkar
BRIEF

The study intends to come up with a design of the proposed retreat center
integrating green building materials. The main objective of the study aims to
answer the following, specifically:
1. To determine architectural features/character that would reflect a retreat
center.
2. To incorporate green building materials to the retreat center in the overall
design.
3. To come up with an architectural design of a retreat center integrating
features/ character of a retreat center and green building materials to the
design.

The focus of the exercise is to establish an architectural experience that is part of a force that can
maintain and promote health through sense of journey, inclusiveness, harmony and balance.

The relationship between the site and the architecture is as important to the understanding of
place as individual elements, and acts as a metaphor for the body/world relationship.
 2. Purpose of Book

This research includes multiple organization of

framework which helped to aid the step by step
process of doing this study. Generally, a
descriptive research method was used for the
review of related literature, documentary analysis
from the site visits supported by observation
guides. Descriptive research portrayed the
attributes of the study, and thus, it concentrated
on the “what” of the research study for the
exploration of the research. It obtained
information constructed and structured from the
collected data from different sources of the review
of related literature.
 DESIGN CONSIDERATION

Design decisions of the architect must consider

● Climate, land , vegetation, rainfall , ventilation

● The people who will ultimately use the space
● Needs of all user groups, whether they are employees, clients, the old, and
the young or physically impaired.
● Impose a number of concepts to minimize adverse effects on the planet like
reusing waste heat by means of passive and active heat exchangers, reusing
water and using renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power.
● Selection of material like the architect must avoid tropical woods, plastics with
destructive manufacturing methods and heavy chemical based products,
whether they are paints, plys or carpets.
● The quality of the spaces must be harmonious and non-imposing
● Cost efficiency
 Spaces and Form
The Retreat must perform a function that will support certain activities involved in the
achievement and maintenance of whole health.
It must include areas like

● food preparation ● administrative activities

● dining, exercise ● provisions for sleeping
● Meditation ● Lounging
● Counselling ● Reading
● Conferencing ● healing treatments
● Common gathering spaces ● gardening.

All public space can be integrated to form the focus of the total Centre, with a combination of
● Public
● Private
● Semi-private spaces.
➔ The main spaces must have a relationship to the outside with sunlight playing a key role.
➔ The relationship between the residences and the main facility may be somewhat separate while
still integrated into the whole.
➔ Clean curved lines, openness, awareness of environment via windows and openings, and
natural light are all characteristics to embody in the centre.
➔ The spaces should be comfortable and non-threatening
➔ Connection with daily rhythms and nature must be established
 Lighting

❖ Natural Lighting
➔ The sun is a rich source of light with an every changing quality.
➔ Light illumination of surfaces and forms.
➔ Sunlight washes surfaces making the surface itself become a light source.
➔ The sun can animate spaces by virtue of its evolutionary nature
➔ Virtually all the spaces of the Retreat relate to the outdoors with glazing, either directly or indirectly.
➔ Sunlight clarifies form and colour in space and serves as a reminder of the rhythms of nature.

❖ Artificial Lighting
➔ At night, when natural light is almost non-existent, --artificial light is required.
➔ Lamps that have a continuous colour spectrum close to natural light would be the preferred method of
artificial illumination.
➔ Low colour temperature lighting gives a warm appearance and is well suited to healing environments.
➔ Light and shade variations are critical when creating a healing environment.
➔ The use of artificial light allows for the redefinition of space by contrasting daylight, giving the user a new
perspective of the Retreat
 General Activities of retreat center.
Sri Sri Yoga is a holistic and energizing practice,
integrating mind, body, and spirit. The techniques
of Hatha yoga are taught in a light and joyful, but
thorough manner – useful and suitable for
YOGA
everyone from beginner to advanced practitioners.

The Center is situated on 380 acres of forested

CONTACT mountain. Two trails meander through the woods
here, and several nearby trails offer experienced
TO NATURE hikers miles of in-depth exploration. Majestic
sights and clean mountain air await!

Rejuvenate from within! Meditation offers

deep rest for mind and body. We also
teach complementary breathing exercises
to still the mind. Here, you can participate
in guided meditation, with time for
MEDITATION
questions and discussion.
 In the clay studio, you are free to play
and learn. Gain hands-on experience in SKILLS
throwing on the wheel, hand-building and
decorating handmade pots.

Boone is famous as a vacation destination,

with miles of scenic trails, serene lakes,
historic sites, climbable cliffs, ski slopes,
TRAVEL horseback riding, whitewater rapids, and
kayaking spots, local Appalachian music, and
delightful dining just steps away.

People around the world have used

labyrinths for centuries as a walking
metaphor for the pilgrim’s journey, as a way
to open the mind to the present moment and
stay centered. Our labyrinth allows for this LABYRINTH
inner journey in a unique, mountain setting.
 There’s no better way to close the day than a

. fire circle under the stars! If you’re interested,

we love arranging lovely, end-of-day gatherings
for those who wish to come and sing or chat by
FIRE CIRCLE
the warmth of the open fire.

Allow yourself to settle in for a soul-stirring

session of community singing with an emphasis
on both ancient chant and modern melodies.
KIRTAN Kirtan happens nightly and is a community
gathering for all interested guests, staff and
volunteers.

The Fitness Room has free weights and

weight machines, stationary bikes, and
treadmills.

ACTIVITIES
Steam Room is temporarily closed to
comply with NC COVID-19 guidelines.
4.Case study :-Dhamma Guna Meditation center

Location:-Pagara, Guna district, Madhya Pradesh

Site area:- 12200
Built Up area:- 2203
Typology:- Vipassana buddhist meditation center.

Dhamma Guna is a Dhamma House dedicated to the practice of Vipassana

meditation as taught by S. N. Goenka. Dhamma Guna has been offering Vipassana
meditation courses. It is situated in Village Pagara, 12 kms off Guna in Gwalior
Division, Madhya Pradesh (MP), on about 1.5 acres of land in the midst of lush
agricultural fields all around
location
Concept
Macro climate of site
Micro Climate of site
Spaces
zoning
Facilities:
Constructed facilities at the site include a 38 X
27 feet Dhamma hall, 45 male and 14 female
residences, 2 Common toilets, a Dining hall,
Male and Female AT residences, Male and
Female Dhamma server residences and
caretaker residential quarters.

The Dhamma hall can seat 40 meditators. Of

the 9 residences on either side, 6 are double
bed residences, making for a capacity of 15
each on either side and a total of 30. There are
separate residences for male and female ATs
and Dhamma servers.

There is a tube well in the campus which

ensures provision of water to small overhead
water tanks. There are RO filtered water
systems which ensure pure drinking water to
the meditators.
Site plan
Circulation
Dining Complex
Dining complex is placed very near
to entry opposite to parking having
350 sqm area (15x23m)
This Complex is consist of a large
male dining, female dining, with
attached dish wash area and water
point.
Male dining have area more than
100 sqm. With 2 different dish wash
areas and female dining have area
about 40 sqm.
Kitchen is placed between male
dining and female dining so it can be
easily serviceable. This big kitchen is
approx 44 sqm (8.6x5.1m) with two
store rooms (3.9x3.8 & 3x3.8).
This complex also contain a shop and
dispensary located toward Roadside
Pagoda

The Pagoda is a Meditation dome hall with

individual cells is located at center of campus
so students can get maximum benefit of their
efforts
There are total 60 cells in this pagoda having
approx areas 2-2.4 sqm.
This cells are divided in three rings
Central ring is consist of 8 cells, the middle is
of 18 and the outer contains 34 cell this rings
are separated by 1.2-1.5m passages.
The circular planning of pagoda is
symmetrical with two entries and two
entrance foyer,
Radius of pagoda is approx 9.5m radius (285
sqm)
Dhamma Hall

Dhamma Hall is a meditation place

which offers a group seating for
meditation this is located in fremont of
pagoda
The dhamma hall has 132 sqm area
(16.5x8m) of 80 people capacity.
This hall consist of one stage and two
cushion store.
There are total 4 entries to hall Two for
males and two for females
Male and Female Residence
There are totals 8 proposed residence clusters in
campus 5 male and 3 female. The room has 2 people
occupancy with approx 10 (3.2x3m)sqm area with
attached toilet
This clusters are located behind the pagoda at end side
of the site. The total area of this 8 cluster is about 1200
sqm. In room the toilets are placed behind. This rooms
are repeated in cluster
In existing residence plan
there is lack of toilets in
middle room this get a uite
trouble to users so they
have to revised it with
adding toilet in middle
room,

There are 9 rooms in this

cluster,attached toilets are
placed behind. This blocks
are repeated in the cliuster
 BUILDING TECHNIQUE AND MATERIALS
PAGODA Typical pagodas are multistoried towers with
layers of overhanging roofs that curve up like a
cornice into sharp, pointed ends.
The pagodas were often built in the courtyard of
a traditional Buddhist temple and, especially in
India, have a religious function of housing sacred
relics.
A towerlike, multistory, solid or hollow structure
made of materials like- stone, brick, or wood

USE OF LIGHT A bright area could feel darker in the absence of light or sunshine whereas an excessive amount
of light can wash out the space colours.
Natural lighting strategies involved:-
● Elusion of direct penetration of daylight.
● Consistency of sunshine throughout the area
● Elusion of glare
● Organization of command of daylight by louvres, diffusion screens, etc
● Electrical lighting structure and daylighting designed to be complementing one another.
● Planned interior areas with daylighting style organisation.
IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPE

● Landscapes and features are important

because they contribute significantly to
our well-being and quality of life.

● Living within aesthetically pleasing and

culturally meaningful landscapes
enhances our sense of wellbeing
 . Vipassana Meditation Centre: Dhamma Shringa

The Nepal Vipassana Center - Dhammashringa, is located in the foothills of the

Himalayas, overlooking the Kathmandu valley, about 12 kilometer north of Kathmandu
City. The Center’s land covers nearly four acres and is bordered by a beautiful wildlife
reserve. An abundant water supply nourishes the gardens, where flowers bloom
throughout the year. Various buildings serve for residences, ranging from dormitories to
single rooms, two separate dining halls for men & women, and a few meditation halls.
The center can comfortably accommodate about 250 people. Nepali-style vegetarian
meals are served during courses.

Objectives of the Case Study

To learn about the built environment :

• Master Plan and Zoning

• Different Spaces
• Observe and Analyze the
Accommodation Areas
• Kitchen and Dining Areas
• Meditation Hall
Location: Muhanpokharî, Budhanilkantha Access: 2km north
from Budhanilkantha Area: 40 Ropani
meditators short course 22 Long course
Topography: Sloping down from North to South

A) Dhamma Hall

• Octagonal Shape of SOOO sq ft hall

• Capacity of upto 354

• Divided between two equal halves for male and female practitioners
• Partition through flower pot
• Separate entrance for male and female students as well as teachers
• White color is used on the wall and greyish blue at the border
• Lighting through ribbon window and central sky lighting
• No large window in the hall
• The auxiliary window around the hall act as sound insulation
• Blue carpet and cushions used
Central column which support the CGI sheets and provide lighting
 B) Mini Halls

It is mainly used for orientation, meditation,

discussion for volunteers and visitors. It has
symmetrical layout. There is separate space for
male and female practitioners. In interior white
color is used. The dimension of the hall is
30’x70'. It is square in shape. It has a capacity of
100.

C) Sunya Ghar

lt is concentrative mobile cell which is used by

long term course praCtitioners. lt iS d hall
building arranged in three levels. lt contain
meditation cell of S'x3'x8’. In meditation cell
ventilation is managed by louver in the door. lt
has vault in three levels. Mostly lower level is
used by practitioners and upper level is used by
teachers and volunteers. Lighting in the EOFridor
is provided by openings in the wall.
 D)Kitchen and Dining
• Separate kitchen for male and female

« Separate kitchen for shon term and long term courses

« Self-service and dish washing area

« Provisions of dining tables and traditional sitting system

e For shon term course two kitchen room and two storage room

AREA - 80 SQ.M.

11.4 SQ.M PER PERSON

Warm Storage: 25 sq m Cold Storage: 27 sq m

Hand-Washing area: 1:10 ratio

E)Teacher's Quarter

Provided around the meditation hall

Separate for Male and female teacher
Living room and bedroom with attached bathroom Consultant
and confession space
Thank you