KARULDANGA BUDDHIST MONASTERY & MEDITATION CENTER

LOCATION: Karuldanga,BoalKhali Upazila, Chattogram,Bangladesh.

CLIENT:Arya Purush Reverend Shilananda Bhikkhu.
AREA:13.8 Acre
FINANCER: Karuldanga Mohashoshan Complex Committee.

KOUSHIK GHOSH
ID-160201036
 CONTENT

❑Methodology
❑Project brief
❑Project background
❑Aim and objectives
❑Site analysis
❑Program analysis
❑Literature review
❑Standard analysis
❑Case studies(local & international )
❑ Issues to be addressed
❑Bibliography
 METHODOLOGY

PROJECT SELECTION
SITE SURVEY

PROJECT BRIEF
SITE PHOTOGRAPH

SITE SURVEY AND SITE ANALYSIS

MAP STUDY

PROGRAM ANALYSIS
SITE ANALYSIS

LITERATURE STUDY

STANDARD ANALYSIS
LOCAL

CASE STUDY

INTERNATIONAL
ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY
Project Background
This project focuses on spreading the Buddhist message of love & tolerance to the community surrounding it.
The project will housed in such a place where there is not a strong percentage of Buddhist population, but
they might get the chance of being lightened. There is an objective to lighten the neighborhood population with
such a Complex.

A lighted torch whose flame can be distributed to ever so many other torches which people may bring

along; and therewith they will cook food and dispel darkness, while the original torch itself remains
burning ever the same.
---- Sutra 42 sections
Project Aims & Objectives
▪ To spread and flourish Buddhism through Gautam Buddha’s philosophy.
▪ To create an environment for the Bhikkhus to be properly trained up in Buddhism with their accommodation
facilities.
▪ To establish a meditative & solemn place for meditation.
 SITE ANALYSIS
A CONTEXTUAL APPROACH TO LAND PLANNING AND DESIGN

CONTEXT

▪ Location
▪ Road Network
▪ Site Surroundings
▪ Land use
▪ Site Analysis
▪ Topography
▪ Site Images
▪ Population
▪ Climatic Features
▪ SWOT Analysis
▪ Decision
LOCATION
ROAD NETWORK
Kalurghat Boalkhali Upazilla
Bridge Health Complex Natun bazar

Chittagong- Sir Ashutosh

Cox’sbazar Govt.
Site
highway College
SITE AREA

25ft wide Road

SITE SURROUNDINGS
SITE

Badarsha Jame Masjid

Natun Bazar

Medosh Munir Ashram

Hindu Temple
LANDUSE
Existing Neighbourhood Green Field
Locality

Total Population-287178
Density per sqkm-1974
Buddhist-6079
SITE ANALYSIS
Winter Wind

Green Field

Residential
Area
Hill
Sea Wind

25 ft wide road

Summer Wind
TOPOGRAPHY
Highest peak Another peak Peak 20’
70’ 40’

Valley 10’

PLACE FOR PROGRAMME

12 Temporary temple
TOPOGRAPHY

At sea level 0 Feet At River level 20 Feet

Site level 70 Feet

SITE IMAGE

View from the distant place

to the site

Green forest area in the

rear side of the site

14

Green forest area in the

rear side of the site
SITE IMAGE
View of the site from the different point of 25’ road

25’ wide
road
 CLIMATIC FEATURES
RAINFALL

▪ July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain

falls for 28.4 days and accumulates 264mm
(10.39") of precipitation.

▪ November is the month with the least rainfall in

Chittagong. Rain falls for 2.1 days and
accumulates 2mm (0.08") of precipitation.

▪ In Chittagong, during the entire year, the rain falls

for 163.1 days and collects up to 1141mm
(44.92") of precipitation.
CLIMATIC FEATURES
HUMIDITY

▪ With an average relative humidity

of 80%, September is the most humid
month.

▪ The least humid month in Chittagong,

Bangladesh, is March, with an average
relative humidity of 35%.
CLIMATIC FEATURES
TEMPERATURE

❖ With an average relative humidity

of 80%, September is the most humid
month.

❖ The least humid month in Chittagong,

Bangladesh, is March, with an average
relative humidity of 35%.

❖ April is the hottest month and January

is the coldest.
CLIMATIC FEATURES

ESTIMATED HOURS OF SUNSHINE

▪ With an average of 13.5h of daylight, June has the longest
days of the year.

▪ December has the shortest days of the year, with an average

of 10.8h of daylight.

▪ May has the most sunshine of the year, with an average

of 11h of sunshine.

▪ January and December, with an average of 7.5h of sunshine, are

months with the least sunshine.
CLIMATIC FEATURES

WIND

▪ The average daily wind speed in

November has been around 5km/h,
that’s the equivalent to about 3 mph.

▪ In recent years the maximum sustained

wind speed has reached 93km/h, that’s
the equivalent of around 58 mph.

▪ As it can be seen in the chart, the wind

and wind gust speed has increased over
the years.
CLIMATIC FEATURES
EARTHQUAKE

▪ Chittagong falls in zone – 3, Low Risk for

earthquake.
CLIMATIC FEATURES

FLOODS

▪ Boal Khali falls in the flood free zones.

▪ However, sometimes floods cause damage to

locals during heavy rainfall near the site
catchment areas.
CLIMATIC FEATURES

SOIL TYPE

▪ Deep brown soil on low lands .

▪ Deep and shallow brown soil on
hills.
▪ The soil of these areas are roughly
stable and more of red soil.
SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTH
▪ Green Field along the site.
▪ Has a good view of hills.
▪ Lots of vegetation existing on site.
▪ Close to primary road.
▪ Lots of residential blocks nearby making it accessible
to public.

WEAKNESS
▪ Not connected to main road.
▪ Natural disasters may cause damage.
▪ Bus transportation unavailable.
SWOT ANALYSIS
OPPORTUNITIES
▪ Could be a religious spot.
▪ Can provide service to the Buddhist.
▪ Could be a cultural hub for practicing Budizam.

THREAT
▪ Site embankments could be heavily damaged due to flood or
landslides.
 ANALYSIS DECISONS
Natural Features
▪ Wind ▪ Hill area, wind flow from all directions ▪ Create more openings.
▪ Rainfall ▪ Heavy rainfall during July. ▪ Could cause damage to embankments.
▪ Temperature ▪ sunlight on site. ▪ Shading needed.
▪ Vegetation ▪ Plenty of existing green. ▪ Incorporate green with design.
▪ Humidity ▪ Mostly humid.
▪ Wildlife ▪ Home to different species of birds & animals. ▪ Design without damaging wildlife.
▪ Topography ▪ Site on foot of the hilly area. ▪ Uneven surface may cause challenges.

Man-made Features

▪ Site Boundary ▪ No existing boundary.

▪ Circulation ▪ Good transportation. ▪ Could be a easily accessible
▪ Surrounding ▪ Mostly residential. religious center .
▪ Economic ▪ Lower income group. ▪ Can be challenging.
▪ Utilities ▪ Electricity and water available.
▪ Positive features.
PROGRAM & STANDARD ANALYSIS
PROGRAM PROPOSED BY CLIENT
Functions
▪ Entry & admin
▪ Library
▪ Cafeteria
▪ Multipurpose hall
▪ Meditation facilities
▪ Main temple
▪ BODHI tree and Shema Ghor
▪ Monk’s tanning Space
▪ Monk accommodation
▪ Guest accommodation
▪ Health care center
▪ Orphanage
▪ School
PROGRAM ANALYSIS

temple celestial
Celestial
bodhi tree
24%
Total -temple
Meditation
function space
-meditation space
-bodhi tree
Orphanage

Terrestrial library terrestrial

76%
multipurpose

accommodations
-library
-school
cafeteria -multipurpose
celestial
Monk’s tanning Space -accommodations
terrestrial
-café
-Monk’s tanning Space
-Health care centre
-Orphanage with School

29
FUNCTIONS
Function Area in sqft ▪ Total Program-85980 sft
▪ With 30% Circulation-111774sft
Entry & admin 5000 16 7
7
% % 3
Library 5000 2 %
%
% 9
Cafeteria 2540 %
13
Multipurpose hall 7000 %
11
5
Meditation facilities 8000 %
%
7
Main temple 14390 %
BODHI tree and Shema 5000 7%
13%
ghor
Monk’s tranning Space 10000
Entry & admin
Monk accommodation 10000 library cafeteria
Multipurpose hall
Guest accommodation 4000 Meditation facilities Main
Health care center 2500 temple
BODHI tree and shima ghor Monk
Orphanage 8050 accommodation Guest
School 4500 accommodation
Monk accommodation
Total 85980 sft Health care centre
Orphanage with School
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Private zone
Zoning Meditation
facilities
Monk’s
Semi public zone accommodation
Admin
Total area
Library 18000
Guest accommodation
Public zone
Multipurpose hall Monk’s tanning Space 24% 26%

Cafeteria Health care center

Main temple Orphanage with School
BODHI TREE & Shima 50
%
Public zone

ghor Total area- 37550 Semi public zone

Total area -28930
Private zone
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Detail of major functions Entry & admin 4%
2%
3%
8%
10%
Function Space Area in 1%
sqft 3% 4%
Entry and Lobby and waiting 500 14% 3%
Visitor’s
waiting Information 150
center 30% 8%

Toilets(male and female) 50

86%
16%
Administrative Director 400
Personal general’s office 4%

P.A‘s office 200 4%

Asst. D.G’s office 350
Seminar hall 600 Entry and Visitor’s waiting
Lobby and lounge
Tea room 200 Administrative Personal
Reception
Store 250 Check room
Baggage storage
Secretary Office 350 Toilet
Cultural officer 350 Librarian office
Asst. librarian office
General office 1600 Clerical support Store
Changing counter
Total 5000 sft Reference Reading
section Stacking 31

books Store

28
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
2%
Detail of major functions Library 10%
4% 8%
3%

1%
Function Space Area in sqft 3% 4%
17
Entry Lobby and lounge 400 % 3%
Reception 100
64 19 30% 8%
% %
Check room 150

Baggage storage 150

Toilet 50 16%
4%
Administration Librarian office 200

Asst. librarian 150 4%

office Entry
Administration
Book section
Clerical support 400 Lobby and lounge
Reception
Store 200
Check room
Book section Changing counter 200 Baggage storage
Toilet
Reference 800
Librarian office
Reading section 1500 Asst. librarian office
Clerical support Store
Stacking books 500 Changing counter
Store 200 Reference Reading
section Stacking
Total 5000 sft books Store
31
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Detail of major functions Cafeteria

21%
6% 6%
Function space sft
Entry lobby 400

counter 100 18%

Seating 1200

Kitchen 450

Pantry 150

wash 150

Total 2540sft

Entry
Seating

49%
32
Kitchen
Pantry
wash
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Detail of major functions Multipurpose hall 14%
1%
Function Space Area in sqft 6%
1%
Front of Hall Lobby lounge 1000
15%

Toilet 100
15%
Back Stage Lobby lounge 400 56% 8%
Support 70%
Toilet 100 14%
Rehearsal 600
room

Performance Stage 1000

and the main
hall Seating 4000

front of hall
Lobby lounge Toilet
Total 7000 sft back stage support Backstage Lobby
Backstage Toilet
performance and the Rehearsal room
main hall Stage
Seating
34

33
PROGRAM ANALYSIS

Detail of major function

Meditation centre

Function sft 44%

Indoor 5000 56%

Natural 4000
Total 9000sft
indoor
natural
PROGRAM ANALYSIS

Function Area in sft

Main temple 14390 sft

Function Area in sft

BODHI tree and 5000sft

ShimaGhor

37
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Detail of major functions Monk accomodation 3% 5% 2%

3%

Function Space Area in sft 6%

Accommodatio Four seated 4000 39%

n room- (20) 10%
Single room- 2500
(10 ) 7%
toilet 700
25%

Dinning room 1000

Kitchen 600
Pantry 350 Four seated room
Single room toilet
Store 350 Dinning room
Kitchen Pantry
TV room 500 Store
TV room
Common toilet 200
Total 10000sft Common toilet 38
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Detail of major functions Guest accommodation 5% 4%
5%

6% 2%
9%

Function Space Area n

sft 4%
Entry and waiting Lobby Lounge 250 25%

Reception 100

Accommodation Single room (5) 1000 37%

Toilet- (2 nos) 120
Double room (6 1500 3%
person)
Toilet 150
Support Services Dinning room 350
Lobby Lounge Reception
Kitchen 200
Single room Toilet- (2 nos)
Pantry 150
Double room Toilet
Common toilet 180
Dinning room Kitchen
Total 4000 sft
Pantry Common toilet
23

39
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Detail of major functions Orphanage 6
4 %
4
% %
Function Space Area in sft 7
%
Orphanage Four seated room-25 5000

Common toilet 700 59

12 %
Dinning room 1000
%
Kitchen 600

Pantry 350

Store 350
8
TV room 500
%
Total 8500sft

Four seated room-25

Common toilet
Dinning room
Kitchen Pantry
Store

TV room
24
PROGRAM ANALYSIS 4%
11%
3%
11%
Detail of major functions School 4%
2%

9%
Function Space Area in sft

Entry Lobby and lounge 400

56%
admin 100

storage 150

Toilet 50 Lobby and lounge

Teachers room 300 admin

Class room
storage
Class 200*10
Toilet Teachers
Common room 400
room
Head master room 150
Class
27

Total 3550 sft Common room

Head master room

26
 PROGRAM ANALYSIS Number
Function Area in of floors
Foot
Total building footprint-44440 sft
sqft print
Entry & admin 5000 2 2500
With 30% circulation- 57772 sft
library 5000 2 2500

Site Area-566280 sft cafeteria 2540 1 2540

Ground coverage-57772 sft Multipurpose hall 7000 1 7000
Open area-508508 Meditation facilities 8000 2 4000
Main temple 5000 1 5000
10%
BODHI TREE & Shima 5000 1 5000
Ghor

Monk accommodation 10000 3 4000

Monk’s tanning Space 2 5000
10000
Health care centre 1500 1 1500
Guest 4000 3 1400
accommodation
Orphanage with 3 4000
School 12050
ground coverage
90% Open area Total 75090 44440 sft
42 sft
STANDARD ANALYSIS
STANDARD ANALYSIS
Office Arrangements
Office arrangements:
The office is the most controversial problem facing the space
planner. The assignment of private offices & the type of partitioning
to be used are issues to be settled by the top management acting
on the advice & recommendations of the space planner. Private
offices should be assigned primarily for functional reason., i.e.
nature of work, visitor traffic or for security reason.
STANDARD ANALYSIS
Dormitories
STANDARD ANALYSIS
PRAYER HALL
⮚ The Statue Of
Buddha Is
Placed In A
Platform
Which Height
Is 1-1/2’ To 2’.
⮚ The Space
Required For
Per Person Is
2’ *4’
⮚ There Is A
Platform In
Front Of The
Statue Which
Size Shoul Be
2-4’
⮚ The Gap
Between The
Platform Of The
Statue And The
1st Row Of The
Worshipper Is 6
To 10’.
STANDARD ANALYSIS

Meditation center
⮚ For meditation the meditators seat side by side in rows. The
space
required for per person is about 8’ *8’ for per person
⮚ Outdoor meditation place should be place in nature. Under
a tree is a perfect place for outdoor meditation.

8’
⮚ Bodhi tree
⮚ Bodhi tree should have a circular
bedi or
platform.

15’
STANDARD ANALYSIS
Library

Reading
Reading Visual Cubicles
Area Limitations
 STANDARD ANALYSIS
❑Schematic plan of
library

Min. Free Space bookshel

f

⮚ There should be clear circulation

⮚ Spacing from one table to another should be 51” min
Seating (4 Seating 2 Person
Person)
STANDARD ANALYSIS
Class Room

Classroom facilities can be decentralized by

allocating space outside the classrooms but
directly linked to them. The number of toilets,
urinals and wash- basins required, based on
total number of pupils and separated according
to sex, should be as set out in the local school
building . The width of corridor in classroom
areas is 2.00m or 1.25 m for less than 180
people.

Sitting table & chair

STANDARD ANALYSIS
Multipurpose
hall
Zoning of an Multipurpose:
▪Public Areas:
1. Lobby
2. Toilets
3. Ticket Counter.
4. Main hall
▪ Semi-Private:
1. Admin Office
▪ Private:
1. Back Stage
2. Projection Room.
3. Rehearsal Room
4. Workshop
5. Discussion Room
STANDARD ANALYSIS
Cafeteria
Estimated production space
for food facilities

Kitchen for 50-100 seats

LITERATURE STUDY
 ABOUT BUDDHISM

Introduction:
⮚Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development
⮚Provides a person with insight into the true nature of life.
⮚Buddhist practices, such as meditation, serve as the means of changing oneself
⮚develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.
⮚The experience developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable
resource for all those who wish to follow a path.

Source http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism/
 LITERATURE STUDY

MUL MANTRA :

•Om = the vibration or sound of the universe; represents divine energy and generosity and purifies the ego.
This sound is the most important of all. but in the context of chanting and mantras, it is meant destroy
attachments to ego and establish generosity.

•Ma = represents ethics and purifies jealousy

•Ni = represents patience and purifies want or desire

•Pad = represents diligence and purifies ignorance and judgment

•Me = represents concentration and purifies attachment

•Hum = the unity of all; represents wisdom and purifies hatred

Source https://www.yogiapproved.com/
 LITERATURE STUDY

Background and origins

⮚Buddhism, founded in the late 6th century B.C.E. by Siddhartha Gautama (the "Buddha")
⮚an important religion in most of the countries of Asia.

⮚Buddhism has assumed many different forms

⮚in each case there has been an attempt to draw from the life experiences of the Buddha

⮚his teachings, and the "spirit" or "essence" of his teachings (called dharma) as models for the religious life.

Young Siddhartha Source : https://asiasociety.org/education/origins-buddhism

 LITERATURE STUDY

Lord Buddha
⮚Siddhartha Gautama was born as a prince in Southern Nepal over 2500 years ago.

⮚Seeing that life’s pleasures fade quickly, he set out in search of lasting happiness.

⮚After six years of mainly solitary practice committed to cultivating and purifying the mind

⮚he discovered the timeless truth of existence and realised enlightenment: the complete cessation of
greed, hatred and delusion, which are at the root of all discontent deep within the mind.

Solitary practice
⮚Hence forth known as the Buddha,he devoted the remaining 45 years of his life
to teaching and helping others to attain the same sublime happiness of liberation that he had discovered.

⮚Buddha's death is 13 May 544 BCE. Lord Buddha

Birth of Buddha Death Of Buddha

Flourishing Buddhism
Source http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism/
 LITERATURE STUDY

Key beliefs
The following are the key Buddhist beliefs:
⮚All Buddhists believe in reincarnation. This belief shapes their attitude to life and death, making them more at ease with a
premature or unexpected death of a loved one and more accepting of their own death when it is imminent.
⮚ Buddhists also believe in the Law of Karma, which explains that one’s own happiness or suffering, success or failure, health
or illness, and so on, is caused by one’s own actions (karma means action), bodily or verbal or mental. Karma is not fatalism.

Buddhist life cycle

Source https://www.indianetzone.com/29/rebirth_cycle_consciousness_buddhist_philosophy.htm
 LITERATURE STUDY

Five prospects of harmlessness

Buddhists try to live by the Five Precepts of harmlessness.

1. Refraining from intentionally killing any living being;
2. Refraining from any form of stealing;
3. Refraining from sexual misconduct, in particular from committing adultery;
4. Refraining from any form of lying; and
5. Refraining from taking alcohol and non-medicinal drugs.
"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil
thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows
him, like a shadow that never leaves him."
- Lord Buddha

Four noble truth

The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, They are :
1. the truth of suffering, (Dukkha)
2. the truth of the cause of suffering,
3. the truth of the end of suffering, and
4. the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering
Source http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism/
 LITERATURE STUDY

❑The Noble 8-Fold Path

⮚the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focusing the mind
on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four
Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.

Source http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism/
 KEY PHILOSOPHIES

❑Stages of Purification

•Purification of Conduct (sīla-visuddhi)

•Purification of Mind (citta-visuddhi)
•Purification of View (ditthi-visuddhi)
•Purification by Overcoming Doubt (kankha-vitarana-visuddhi)
•Purification by Knowledge and Vision of What Is Path and Not Path (maggamagga-ñanadassana-visuddhi)

❑The Three Jewels :

the Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures, Three Refuges, Precious Triad, or most commonly the Triple Gem Pali
(triratna), are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking
refuge.
Three jewels is consider the most important, basic & global philosophy in Buddhism. The Three Jewels Are :

•The Buddha;
•The Dharma, The Teachings;
•The Sangha
Source http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism/
 KEY PHILOSOPHIES

•on entering a temple or monastic building, and in many cases a Buddhist home, shoes and any head covering should be
removed.

•at monasteries, temples and shrines in homes, Buddhists will usually bow three times before a statue of the Buddha, as a
means of paying respect to the example of the Buddha, to his teachings and to the Enlightened monks and nuns. Non-
Buddhists are not expected to bow.

•lay Buddhists will often bow as a mark of respect to monks, nuns and in some cultures to elders.

•some Buddhist monks and nuns are generally not allowed to come into direct physical contact with members of the opposite
gender.
•police, soldiers or anyone else, should not carry weapons into a Buddhist temple or monastery.

•in some traditions pointing the feet towards a statue of the Buddha, a shrine, monks, nuns or people in general, is
considered very impolite.

•touching the head of a person is also impolite. The only exceptions relate to special circumstances such as during ceremony

Source http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism/
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑INITIAL INDIAN PHASE:

⮚The Buddhist architecture has its root deeply implanted in the Indian soil- the birthplace of the
Buddha's teachings.

⮚The Buddhist architecture began with the development of various symbols, representing aspects of the
Buddha's life (563 BCE - 483 BCE).
Temples (Chaitya griha)
⮚Indian emperor Ashoka, not only established Buddhism as the state religion of his large Magadh empire,
but also opted for the architectural monuments to spread Buddhism in different places.

⮚Buddhist religious architecture developed in South Asia in the 3rd century BCE. Three types of
structures are associated with the religious architecture of early Buddhism:
1. Viharas
2. Stupas And
3. Temples (Chaitya Grihas).

Stupas

Monasteries (vihara) Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture

:
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑Stupas
⮚The Stupas holds the most important place among all the earliest Buddhist sculptures
⮚A Stupa is a dome-shaped monument, used to house Buddhists' relics or to commemorate significant facts of Buddhism.
⮚Though the Stupas are the most prominent sculptures throughout the world, but Myanmar or Burma is credited to have more Stupas than
anywhere else.
⮚In India, the most important and well preserved site is at Sanchi, where one can find the full range of Buddhist art and architecture from the
3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE. Source https://smarthistory.org/the-stupa-sanchi/
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑ CHINESE PHASE
⮚In China, in 67 C.E., there was debate between Taoists and two Buddhist monks from India

⮚Due to this lively dialogue, the emperor’s interest and belief in Buddhism was ignited.

⮚ Taoism was quite popular at this time, the emperor accepted and honored Buddhism

⮚ and ordered the construction of a monastery outside the city for Bhikkhus, and a monastery
inside the city for Bhikkhunis.

This was the birth of Chinese Buddhist architecture.

Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
❑Japanese phase:
⮚ Buddhism reached Japan in the 6th century during the last years of the Kofun period.

⮚Local style of architecture blend with the essence of Buddhism originated the Japanese style.

⮚With simplicity, minimalism & space quality as it’s main element Japanese architecture

⮚Architecture of Ashoka period mainly used wooden structure & is heavily influenced by Chinese architecture.

⮚We can see Chinese style worship halls in Temples.

⮚Later in that period cluster structures appeared often in Contour sites with number of secondary hall enclosing the main hall.

⮚After the war Japanese architecture entered modern period.

⮚created structures like Bodhi center & Temple complexes which followed modern style along with respect to the tradition & essence

Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
STUPA SANCHI STUPA
⮚A stupa is a mound-like structure containing buddhist relics, typically the ⮚There are mainly three main stupas on the top of the sanchi hill which
remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship. rise about 100m above the plain.

⮚construction material : covered with stone or brick, the plan, elevation, section ⮚Of the three stupa the biggest one is known as the great stupa.
and the total form of which were all derived from circle.

Stupa became a particularly buddhist symbol. Source https://smarthistory.org/the-stupa-sanchi/

 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

CHAITYAS

⮚Chaityas or ‘sacred spots’ are the temples

as well as assembly halls created out of the
particular demands of buddhist religion.
These became necessary to accommodate
those who congregated to pay their homage.

⮚These have a small rectangular door- way

which opens to a vaulted hall, with apsidal
end and divided longitudinally by two
colonnades forming a broad nave in the
centre and two side aisles.

⮚At end is a stupa also carved in natural rock

with enough space around it for
circumambulation

⮚The roof is usually semi-circular.

1-stupa, 2-nave, 3-aisles, 4-entry

Source https://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑CHAITYA AT KARLI

⮚very grand entrance and consists of three doorways set underneath

a gallery.

⮚The chaitya hall is 38.5m long and 13m wide with a vaulted roof
rising to a height of 13.7m

⮚The roof is supplemented by a series of wooden ribs which are

closely spaced.

⮚The hall is divided by two rows of columns forming a broad nave in

the centre.

⮚Each column is 1.22m in diameter and 7.32m high

⮚With bell shapes capital which supports a pair of kneeling

elephants carrying male and female riders and those of horses and
tigers in the rear.

⮚The shaft is octagonal in shape and has a vase-shapes base.

⮚At the end is a stupa, caved in natural rock, with railing and
inverted stepped pyramid or tee at the top.
CHAITYA Hall AT
⮚A beautiful ‘lat’ surmounting with four lions is erected at the KARLI
entrance of the chaitya. Source https://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

Facade of chaitya hall at karli Detail of wooden frame for window Richly carved pillars

Section in perspective of rock-cut chaitya hall at karli Couples on elephant Source https://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑ VIHARAS OR MONASTERIES

⮚ Vihara, early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded

by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in
India were originally constructed to shelter the monks during the rainy season,
when it became difficult for them to lead the wanderer's life.

⮚These are the residential places of the buddhist priests. They consist of a main-hall
entered by a door-way. They also contain the assembly hall, dining chambers.

⮚From the halls deep into the rocks, cells are provided for meditation. The shrines
contains beautiful figures of Buddha and the walls of the antechamber depict the
stories based on Buddha's life and fine frescoes as in case of Ajanta.

⮚Some great structural viharas were about 60m high covered with glazed tiles. Pillars
were richly chiseled in the form of dragons. Beams were painted in red and rafter with
all colors of rainbow.

⮚Viharas were literally the pleasure gardens of monastic precincts.

⮚Some of the important Buddhist viharas are those at Ajanta, Ellora. Nasik, Karle,
Kanheri, Bagh and Badami.
Vihara - Sarnath,
India
Source https://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
 ❑HISTORY OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑Pagodas:

⮚Pagodas are the principle form of Buddhist architecture

⮚used as religious multistory Buddhist towers, erected as a memorial or

shrine.

⮚Symbols of five elements of the universe - earth, water, fire, air and
Consciousness

⮚The early Buddhists had started using the royal symbol of 'Pagoda', by
applying an umbrella-like structure to symbolize the Buddha, which soon
took over the functions of the Stupas.

Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
 CHARACTERISTICS OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑ CENTER OF CULTURAL ACTIVITY

⮚ Buddhist temples are often the center of cultural activities.

⮚ From a modern viewpoint, temples can be compared to

museums

⮚ contain precious and spectacular art forms

⮚ combination of architecture, sculpture, painting, and calligraphy

⮚ Temples offer a harmonized environment and a spiritual

atmosphere that allows one to become serene and tranquil

⮚ They are valuable places for distressed persons to lay down their
burdens, soothe their minds, and achieve peace & harmony of
mind

Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
 LOCAL BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑GOLDEN TEMPLE AT BANDARBAN

▪approached by an elegant stairway
▪ built on the hill top is decorated with exquisite sculptural images
▪ second-biggest statue of the Buddha that is enshrined in the sanctum
❑ Paharpur (Somapura) Mahavihara

▪ Somapura was the largest of the mahaviharas

▪ Built by Dharmapala is the second largest Buddhist Vihara in the Indian Subcontinent .
▪ The quadrangular structure consists of 177 cells and a traditional Buddhist stupa in the centre

▪ The rooms were used by the monks for accommodation and meditation
▪ In addition to the large number of stupas and shrines of various sizes and shapes, terracotta plaques, stone sculptures,
inscriptions, coins, ceramics etc. have been discovered
 CHARACTERISTICS OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

❑ Regional characteristics:
⮚Has its own unique character due to differing cultural and environmental factors.

⮚Close in proximity, Srilanka’s architecture is similar to India’s architecture

⮚ Burma, Thailand and Cambodia also share a similar style, with structures that incorporate the use of wood into their design.

⮚Java’s stupas resemble those of Tibet, which are made of stone and represent the nine-layered Mandala.

⮚Tibet’s large monasteries are typically constructed on hillsides and are similar in style to European architecture in which the buildings are
connected to each other, forming a type of street-style arrangement.

❑ Symmetry & tradition:

⮚Usually the Temple layout is designed with symmetry in mind with the main gate and main hall in the center

⮚the celestial beings hall, the lecture hall, the patriarch hall, and the abbot’s quarters lined up on either side.

Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
 PURPOSE OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
❑ Representation of Buddhist core philosophy:

⮚the Buddha, Dharma, and the Sangha exist together in harmony and joy

⮚a gathering place where followers can go to make offerings and learn the Buddha’s precious teachings

⮚the starting point for spreading the teachings and practicing compassion outside the temple walls

❑ Provide peaceful environment to relief stress:

⮚offer a noble and dignified atmosphere, peaceful chanting, and serene places to meditate and calm the mind

⮚stunning beauty and calming sounds can purify people’s minds and give them inspiration to meet life’s daily challenges.

⮚When people encounter distress and helplessness, the temple is an ideal place to seek relief and inner nourishment.

⮚can be called a refilling station for energy or a department store for life

❑ Introduce Buddhist philosophy to people’s of other faith:

⮚places of relief for people of different backgrounds and faiths.

⮚when temples were constructed in secluded forests, high mountains, and lakesides far from the heart of the suburban areas, temples attracted all sorts
of people

⮚People of many different beliefs and lifestyles enjoyed the happiness and tranquility of nature through visiting temples
Source https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
 CASE STUDY

LOCAL CASE STUDY

❑ Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery complex.

❑ Rajbon Bihar, Rangamati.

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY

❑ TSZ SHAN MONASTERY, Hong Kong.

❑ Jetavan, India.
LOCAL CASE STUDY
Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery complex
Location: Bashabo madertek road, Dhaka-1214
Total land area: 5.6 acre

⮚ Kamalapur, Bashabo Dharmarajika Buddha Vihara the first Buddhist vihara (monastery) complex in Dhaka.
⮚ It was established in 1960 at the initiative of BISHUDDHANANDA MAHATHERA.
⮚ It acts as the cultural and regional centre of Bangladeshi Buddhists.
⮚ For over four decades it has been the religious centre for both local and foreign Buddhists living in Dhaka.
During the Liberation War in 1971 many men, women and children, irrespective of religion, were given shelter at the vihara. After
liberation, the Dharmarajik Orphanage was established for the childrenaffected by the war. The Dharmarajik High School was
established in 1972.

Basabo Madartek Road

Atish Deepankar road

Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery complex
Function:
❑ Entry & admin
❑ RELIGIOUS FACILITIES
▪ Prayer hall
▪ Bodhi tree & prayer space
▪ shima ghor & standing Budhha
statue
❑ Monk facilities
▪ Monk’s Accomodation
❑ Guest accommodation
❑ Dininig block
❑ Library
❑ Medical service
❑ Co-operative society office
❑Educational facilities:
⮚ Dharmarajika School
• (class -1 to 10)
• Classroom (30 nos)
• Teacher’s room
• Total student-1500
• Library
⮚ Dharmarajika Kindergarten
(play to standard 3)
• Classroom – 6
• Teachers room (for 15 person)
• Student-120
⮚ Lalitakala academy
⮚ Orphanage and hostel
(for 400 persons)
• 80 rooms
SITE SORROUNDINGS :
Budhha mandir bus
stop

Bashabo Madertek
road

Bashabo Balur
Matth

Mayakanon jame
Mashjid
Dharmarajika Buddhist
Monastery complex

Kamalapur high school &

college
Kamalapur Railway Atish Dipankar
Station road
 Primary society
school kindergarte office
n

Buddh dor
High a
schoo m
statue
l

Legends
:
Central pond
Central
Bodhi tree Atish dipangkar pagoda
Chie pond
f Prayer hall & monk accommodation
Mon
k Dining block and library
Dining
block Chief Monk accommodation and office
Multipurpos
e
hall High school
monk
accommo- Primary school
dation
kindergarten
pagod
Prayer hall Co operative society office
a
Orphanage dorm

Prayer space and Bodhi tree

ENTRY Multipurpose hall

Master plan
Atish dipangkar pagoda
(Main prayer space)
 Main entrance
Atish deepankar
pagoda

Pond Guard room

Master
40’ wide plan Sitting Buddha
 Orphanage school and dorm

Co Operative Society
Office

Bodhi tree and prayer

space

Statue of Lord
Buddha

Master
Multipurpose Hall
Shima plan
 High Primary school
school

Cheif monk accommodation and

office

Kindergarten and
clinic

Chief monk and office

Dining block and
library Master
plan
❑ PRAYER HALL & ADMIN BLOCK

Ground floor

Main prayer hall

Acharya's home

Acharya's office

Admin
❑ PRAYER HALL & ADMIN
BLOCK

Prayer
space

Vikhhu’s prayer
zone

Vikhhu’s prayer
zone

Ground
floor
Prayer 1’
space platform
Vikkhus prayer
zone
1’ platform before Buddha
statue
Buddha
statue

⮚ In the prayer hall the statue of lord Buddha is placed in a 1’-6” height platform
⮚ In front of the statue there is a platform which height is 1’
⮚ 1000 people can pray in the hall. Statue of lord
❑ Monk’s
accommodation

toile
t

Shramon’s
accommodation
toile
t
Vikkhu’s
accommodation

⮚ In 1st floor there are seven rooms , for monk’s ,3 of them

have attach toilet.
⮚ Common toilet facilities.
❑ GUEST
ACCOMMODATION

LEGENDS
:
guest
accommodation
Supervisor’s
room
guest common
room
Dining
room
⮚ In 2nd floor there are guest accommodation, for
guest's there are 8 bed rooms with attach toilet &
air –conditioned facilities
⮚ 1 dining hall
⮚ 1 common room
❑ BODHI TREE & PRAYER
SPACE
Statue of lord
Buddha
+1’-1” platform

Prayer
space

+9”
platform

Bodhi
tree
Dheni Buddha
statue

Prayer
space
Statue of lord buddha

Space for meditation &

prayer

Bodhi tree
+3’
Prayer space

28 statue

Pillar for buddha

upright
❑ BODHI TREE & PRAYER
SPACE
Statue of lord
Buddha
+1’-1” platform

Prayer
space

+9”
platform

Bodhi
tree
Dheni Buddha
statue

Prayer
space
Statue of lord
buddha
Space for meditation
& prayer
Bodhi
+3’ tree
Prayer
space
28 statue
Pillar for
buddha
upright
⮚ SHIMA GHOR & STANDING BUDDHA STATUE

Shima
ghor

Shima
ghor

⮚ In shima ghor there are 16 shima, width of each shima is Statue of lord
6”, distance from one shima to another is 4’. buddha

⮚ Total height of the standing statue from ground level is 50’.

⮚ The platform height is 2’-6”
❑ CHIEF MONK ACCOMMODATION &
OFFICE

Chief Lalitakala
Chief monk( the academy
monk ro’s office &
Store Store accommo
accommo teacher’s
room room dation)
dation) room
⮚ DINNING HALL CUM LIBRARY BUILDING

toile
kitche t
n
Dining

pantr
hall

Dining space
Statue

Ground
floor Kitchen

Toilet statue Main entrance

❑ DINNING HALL CUM LIBRARY BUILDING

Store

room Librar
y

veranda
h

1st floor

⮚ In library 80 persons can seat at a time

⮚ The number of books in the library is about
100000.
❑ DHARMARAJIKA SCHOOL
Dharmarajik high
Class Class Class Class school
Dharmarajik
room primary
room room room
school
Class
stai stai
r r room

Class

room

Ground
floor

❑ STUDENTS DORMITORY ❑ DHARMARAJIKA KINDERGARTEN

stai stai
r r

1st & 2nd

floor
❑FINDINGS
❑ Positive:
• The standing Buddha Statue is visible from every part of the complex. So we should
keep this in mind while designing a complex.

❑ Negative

• The prayer hall is situated beside the road which creates noise . So we should keep the
prayer hall in a quite place. To create a proper prayer space.
• Lack of meditation space which is very important for a Buddhist Temple complex.
• Lack of parking space.
Local Case Study
Rajbon Bihar,Rangamati
Rajbon Bihar is one of
the lovely Buddhist
temple of Bangladesh.
It is Located
at rangamati district.It
plays an important role in
buddhist society.

Function:

Entry & admin

Library
Multipurpose
hall Main
temple BODHI
tree
shima ghor
Monk’s tanning Space
Monk
accommodation
Guest
accommodation
Hospital
Local Case Study
Rajbon Bihar,Rangamati,
❑ Entry
❑ Guest accommodation
❑ Monk accommodation
❑ Library
❑ Shima Ghor
❑ BODHI Tree
❑ HOSPITAL
Main temple Monk accommodation
(Vante)
 Lake
❑ FINDINGS Lake

❑The functions of the complex are

segregated from one another. Lake
❑The ntaural site forces (Lake) are
not used with the meditation space
and the main temple part of
the complex
❑There is no appropriate and calm space
for meditation.
❑The positioning of Bodhi tree is in
much better and calm area
.

A forest behind the bodhi tree

 INTERNATIONAL CASE
STUDY
TSZ SHAN MONASTERY
Hong-Kong

Spanning 46,000 sq metres, Tsz Shan is

state-of-the-art antiquity that cost
HK$1.5 billion and took 12 years to
build.
At a glance, it's a graceful Tang dynasty
complex.
But inside the shell of
precious zitan wood is a steel structure
that does away with the need for the
pillars and interlocking eave brackets
found in ancient architecture.
This gives the monastery a more
modern look.
 Bodhi tree
Guan Yin Statue

Grand
Buddha
Hall
Tripitaka Library
Brilliance
pond
Maitreya Hall

Joyful Terrace
Main gate

Vista Terrace
TSZ SHAN GATE
Literally meaning the 'Monastery of the Benevolent Hill', Tsz
Shan's most prominent feature is a 76m-tall statue of the
Goddess of Compassion (Guanyin). The goddess, robed in
white, holds the Pearl of Wisdom in one hand and a vase of
sacred water in the other as she gazes kindly at the sentient
beings (and the traffic) below her. At twice the height of the
Big Buddha on Lantau Island, she can be glimpsed from
miles away.

Throughout its halls and its grounds, Tsz Shan Monastery

provides many spaces for contemplation, both open or
intimate, formal or seemingly unplanned. But even inside
its most stately buildings, nature is present throughout:
dark African padauk wood, wavy white-grey
granite, marble and bronze are the monastery's most
important building materials. They are ones of texture
and richness with a connection to origin.
Main Gate Joyful terrace Maitreya terrace

Grand Courtyard Statue

Great Buddha Hall
Jetavan
India

Samdeep Padora & Architects

In Buddhist mythology Jetvana is

the name of one the Buddha’s
most important spatial edifice
which when literally translated
means: the grove of Jeta, land
donated to the sangha for founding
a monastery. It was of semiotic
significance that the site offered by
Samir Somaiya owner of the
neighboring sugar factory in rural
Maharashtra for the Buddhist
Learning Center was thickly
forested, an idyllic grove of sorts.
The institute was programmed as a spiritual & skill development
center for the native Dalit Baudh Ambedkar Buddhist community.
The mandate of Jetavana is to provide a spiritual anchor for their
practice of Buddhist thought through meditation and yoga while
also imparting training and skill development for members of the
community.
 Prayer Hall

Monk’s Accommodations

Outdoor Meditation
Space

Workshops & trainings Admin Office &

Service
 ISSUES TO BE
ADDRESSED

❑ Create a suitable peaceful space, where people can pray, learn & meditate.
❑ Relationship with religious & non religious functions.
❑ The complex should be identified as a Buddhist structure.
❑ Traditional essence should in the design & the design should also look forward to the
future.
❑ Meet the demands of the local users & also the client & maintain a balance within
their demands.
❑ Respect the existing inhabitants of the area.
❑ The complex should be a center of light for the people of the nearby area.
❑ Public functions should be place appropriately.
❑ Placing the meditation space in that peaceful environment
❑ The beauty of the nature must not be hampered.
 CONCLUSION

Buddhism is one the oldest of oriental philosophies, the root of our belief. In the
middle of the lush green, peaceful & solemn, the perfect place for a Buddhist temple
of such kind. The meditative ways of Zen could be placed in harmonious ways & the
light of Lord Buddha’s Teaching can be expressed properly. A scope to design a
challenging project, a scope to think for the future, keeping our values & traditions in
mind.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Time-saver Standards For Building Types_____by Joseph De Chiara & John Callender
• Architects Data” by Neufert.
• http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meaning-of-om-mani-padme-hung.htm

• https://asiasociety.org/education/origins-buddhism
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
•
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/
• http://www.buddhanet.net/
• https://www.academia.edu/10029212/Evolution_of_Buddhist_Architecture
• https://smarthistory.org/the-stupa-sanchi/
• https://www.scribd.com/doc/23472778/CHAITYA-VIHARA-STUPA
• A STUDY OF TRADITIONAL HOUSING OF “PAHARI” COMMUNITIES IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL

• http://www.banarastour.com/buddhism
TRACTS (CHT) by K.Iftekhar Ahmed, Associate Proffesor, BUET
• https://nijhoom.com/tribal-people-bangladesh/
Thank you