CONNECTING ARCHITECTURE AND SPIRITUALITY

Abstract:
The human body is the most sophisticated machine ever…..have you read the user manual?

The aim of this thesis project is to contribute towards creating awareness towards approaching
the holistic well-being of the human being, towards reviving the forgotten knowledge and
wisdom of the ancient India. Spirituality had always been an inseparable part of people’s lives
since a very long time. To live a balanced life, to experience emotions as blissfulness, ecstasy,
euphoria …and so on, to experience mental, emotional and physical fitness, meditative and
yogic methods were developed and were practiced by all individuals throughout their lifetime
in ancient India.

The most common issues now a days as stress, anxiety, depression, and the likes are only the
result of our ignorance towards our ancient knowledge and wisdom, towards our culture.
Approximately 280 million people across the globe suffer from depression. The western
research has now started to know the amazing effects of meditation and yoga on the human
body and mind. We must start making a conscious effort towards our own mental health in the
time tested yogic methods, left behind by our ancestors before the west sells it to us in the
form of pills and potions.

Aim:

This thesis project aims at exploring and studying the connections and links between
architecture and spirituality, the space and the soul.

SPRITUALITY:

The word spirituality derives from word sprit. The soul has the potential to attain the altered
states of consciousness. The process of cleansing the mind from all wrong habits, impressions,
education is the spiritual practice.

Spirituality and architecture:

Spirituality and architecture are interlinked where different layers lead to creation of holistic
environment. The tactile and sensory nature of architecture enables man to integrate a built
environment physically, psychologically and visually. These qualities of architecture can be
expressed as a space which evokes and invokes spiritual responses in people.

Spiritual Architecture:

Spiritual architecture refers to any place that facilitates this awareness. It is an act of
highlighting or bringing forth, the self, not by rejecting the matter, but by manifesting it in
matter at various levels.

The designation of a place as spiritual comes from the human need to establish a connection
with inner truth. Architecture of a space c invoke all the senses, help one concentrate one’s
posture energies to calm a disturbed mind an take a peaceful stable mind to beyond physical.

Architecture together with other arts, has been one of the most powerful means to pursue and
realize this quest and give it a physical-symbolic expression: how to create an identity and a
place for our being from within the vast, shapeless and infinite extent of time and space, how to
affirm our presences and gain a foothold, in the universe.

PROPOSED PROJECTS:

1. SCHOOL OF MEDITATION AND YOGA:

This would be a boarding school for children, which will teach spirituality along with the
primary and secondary education with the accommodation and food facilities.

Aim:

the primary aim of this school would to make this generation of children aware about
this vast ancient wisdom, not just through teaching, but practicing and experiencing it
on a daily basis. It would primarily teach the yogic way of living, focus on meditation and
yoga as a means to pursue spirituality.
Users and primary programme:

The primary users of project will be 5 to 18 year old children, teachers and the
supporting staff.
The primary programme would be spiritually designed learning spaces, prayer and
meditation halls, the living facility for all the students and staff.
The secondary programme would include eating spaces, music and dance halls,
gathering spaces.

2. SPIRITUAL AND MEDITATION RETREAT RESORT:

 This would be basically a resort where short term wellness programmes and courses
would be offered.

Aim:
This center would serve as a center for mental wellness and holistic wellbeing, for those
wanting to seek spirituality.

Users and programme outline:

The space could be accessed by anyone who wishes to seek spirituality.

Primary programme would include meditation and prayer halls, yoga halls, seminar
halls, accommodation facilities.
Secondary programme will include eating spaces, spa, rejuvenation centers, gathering
spaces etc.

Hang out in the space between your thoughts………….because google can’t answer all the
questions!