APPENDIX 1

EXPERIENCE OF SPIRITUALITY
THROUGH ARCHITECTURE

Dissertation Report

Submitted by

HEMA PRIYA .V
821519251009

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

PRIME COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING

KILVELUR, NAGAPATTINAM (Dt)

Anna University : Chennai 600 025

May 2023

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 APPENDIX 2

ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this Dissertation report titled “Experience of spirituality through

architecture” is the Bonafied work of HEMA PRIYA V (821519251009),
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx who carried out the work under my supervision. Certified further that to
the best of my knowledge, the work reported herein does not form part of any other thesis
or dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was conferred on an earlier
occasion on this or any other candidate.

Prof.Ar.A.Balaji Prof.Ar.
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT DISSERTATION REPORT GUIDE
Prime College of Architecture and Planning Prime College of Architecture and Planning
Kilvelur – 611104, Nagapattinam Kilvelur – 611104, Nagapattinam

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3
Introduction:

Spirituality primarily is derived from the word “spirit” or the concept of the
existence of an inner self, which is interpreted in many ways by different people,
associating it with place of worship, personal relationship with God or natural
surroundings and art. Spirituality is about the search for meaning in life and
feeling a deep sense of aliveness. Any structure or location that promotes
spirituality is referred to as sacred architecture. This may be used to any religion
or belief and allows its users to find a place of worship and reflect.

Aim:

To study the sacred attributes and to analyse the existing structures and to study
the experience of spirituality through architecture.

Objective:

• To study about the spirituality and spiritual space with relation to

architecture.

• To understand and study the architectural elements of sacred spaces

(geometry, pattern, aesthetics, landscaping element) and the factors that are
required to create spiritual environment.

• To study the mental condition of man in different spaces with relation to

spiritual.

• To study on the design and construction process of scared spaces.

Scope:

• To Understanding the spiritual aspects of architecture in terms of sacred space

and natural context.

•To understand the feelings of the people created through spiritual architecture.

Limitation:

• This research paper is only focus on the contemplative elements of built

environment.

• The study is based only on the aspects that are necessary to create spiritual

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 environment and its construction techniques.

• The study is not based on only one particular religion.

Methodology:

NEED OF STUDY

Exploration and understanding the

SPIRITUAL ARCHITECTURE

Research questions and objective

DATA COLLECTION

Secondary sources Primary sources

• Articles and
research papers. Case study and literature study

• Bahai temple, South America.

Analysis and conclusion
• pyramid valley , Bengaluru.

• Isha yoga, Coimbatore (case

study).

• Matrimandir, Auroville.

• Chidambaram natrajan
temple.

• Velankanni church.

•Bragatheeswarar temple,
Thanjavur

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Why spirituality ?

To situate the investigation of spirituality in place, Maslow's hierarchy of human needs

provides a unique and valuable starting point. The five basic needs that Maslow
originally identified were physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self- actualization.
Nearly three decades later, Maslow determined that a sixth motivational level was
required, above self- actualization, which results from an individual having "peak
experiences" (Maslow 1961).

Fig : 1

Abraham Maslow. Fig : 2 Maslow’ s hierarchy of need pyramid

Diagram..

TRANSCENDENCE:

“Transcendence refers the very highest and most inclusive or holistic levels of human
consciousness, behaving and relating, as ends rather than means, to oneself, to
significant others, to human beings in general, to other species, to nature, and to the
cosmos.

“Transcendence in the sense of loss of self-consciousness, of self-awareness, and

of self-observing and It is the same kind of self-forgetfulness which comes from
getting absorbed, fascinated, concentrated.

Fig : 3 Transcendence .
SOURCE : Book - The Farther
Reaches of Human Nature

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TYPES OF TRANSCENDENCE SPACE

Sacred architecture is roughly classified into two types:

Sacred Religious Spaces: These venues are designed for worship to a specific god
or deity, with the goal of experiencing spirituality via religion.

Non religious spaces : These spaces are those which are not built dedicated to a
particular god or a particular religion. But more so designed to allow people to feel a
sense of numinosity without catering to one religion or the other. These spaces draw
all its inspiration through nature and allow for it to shine through and influence the
structure.

FIG : 4 Lotus temple . FIG : 5 Golden temple .

SACRED SPACE AND SPIRITUALITY

A spiritual place is one that generates peak experiences for the user which help him
detach from the commercial world and makes him aware of the surroundings. The
peak experiences may share concepts like unity, organization, uniqueness,
expression, creativity, poetry, and authenticity with the physical qualities of a space.

SPIRITUALITY AND ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is a phenomenon that defines the quality of the built environment whilst
accommodating various functions. Architecture is not simply the "design of
buildings" that are mere physical enclosures. Spirituality has always been a part of
the human civilization and from the time unknown it has been interlinked with
architecture. It is through architecture that humans have tried to achieve internal
peace, inner contentment and spirituality.

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 FIG: 7 Church of the light ,Osaka ,Japan.

The ancient architecture of sacred places

Old days religious buildings and surroundings were considered and recognised as
spiritual place, having same typical religious building typology and supporting
elements. Spaces such as, naturally arrived, having some past historic mythology,
performing rituals and traditions have spiritual influence.

Since religious buildings in the ancient times were made of the most durable
materials - permanent structures strong enough to withstand vagaries of time. climate
and stay protected from marauders for fear of incurring the wrath of the gods-they
survive in number

the location of most Hindu temples. Buddhist monasteries or gurudwaras-they have

been from ancient times located at hill tops, mountain peaks for ensuring powerful
visual presence in the hearts of the pilgrims, climbing up to them

EXAMPLE : PARTHENON

The most iconic historic architectural marvel of classical times, the 3000 BCE
Parthenon at the Acropolis of the Greek civilization establishes a unique site and
structure relationship, by virtue of its location atop the table-top hill.

This imparts it a very powerful, prime visual identity overlooking the entire city of
Athens.

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FIG : 8 Night view of Parthenon.

FIG : 9 Night view of Parthenon

A major structural innovation happened during Byzantine era when the builders
developed squinches or pendentives that provided for a smooth transition from a
square plan at the base to a circular dome at the top required for a church or a
mosque.

The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a prime example of this innovation

FIG : 10 Hagia Sophia,Istanbul,

turkey
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 .

FIG : 11 Interior and exterior of Hagia Sophia

FIG : 12. Pendentive dome construction .

The Contemporary architecture of sacred places

Modern architects such as Jorn Utzon, Tadao Ando, and Peter Zumthor seemed to be
following and guided by philosophies of architecture's origins. Structures designed by
them are highlighting as they possessed the sense of eternity and divinity.

CHAPLE OF LIGHT

Tadao Ando’s primary goal at the Church of the Light is characterized by elegance
and minimalist aesthetics. Because the outside world is ignored and the spiritual is
perceived inside this place, its introverted design acts as a physical link between the
devotee and the divine. A cruciform is carved into the concrete behind the altar in one
of the gaps in the facade.

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 FIG : 13. Church of the light , Osaka ,
Japan

The user behavior in the church of light is mainly simulated by the building itself.The
idea of the design was to use light in a way that would strengthen the power of
spirituality. The inside concrete walls of the building were rendered inert by the light
from the cross and the strategically placed slits, which turned the gloomy volume into
an illuminated box. This bizarre effect constantly transforms solid objects into
intangible ones, turning darkness into light and space into light.

ATTRIBUTES OF SPIRITUAL ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is the first pioneer on the highway toward the adequate realization of
inner self. Besides the variety of buildings and design approaches in the effort to
create a space where man can feel spirituality, there can be found some common
design tools that help to create the soul stirring experience. The following discuss
some of these parameters.

The portal or threshold

The portal or threshold is the entryway into the sacred space, which helps to separate
the space from the greater surrounding space and invites you to step inside. A portal
can be created with a hardscape such as a gate or a portico, or with simple planting

It is a pleasant, calm, and quiet environment that serves as a mediator between these
two different locations.

FIG : 14. Brihadeeswarar temple

entrance gopuram .

FIG : 15. Sanchi stupa entrance

(Torana ).
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Pathways

The path invites exploration and discovery along the route.

The destination point is an end point within a space that inexplicably draws visitors.
It may be a resting place, such as a bench, or a beautiful natural feature, such as a
gurgling fountain or rain curtain. It is a point within the sacred space where those
who visit always end up. Sacred spaces may have more than one destination point.

FIG : 16.Pathway to lotus temple , New delhi .

Space and Volume

Space, whether of the individual or the universal, possesses a unique quality of

experiencing. Source: F.D.K.Ching, Architecture – Form, Space and Order 3rd
edition) Sense of surround defines the space as separate and apart from the overall
outdoor environment. Visitors who enter the space feel as though they are entering
into a room.

FIG : 17.Brihadisvarar temple, Tanjore.

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Scale and proportion

Scale refers to the size of something compared to reference standard or size of

something else.

Generally the sacred spaces take monumental scale to create an atmosphere of awe,
mystery and magnificence. The scale of the interior spaces, the size and weight of
doors, and the exposed structural columns and beams all serve to denote the special
quality of the sacred space.

FIG : 18. Madurai Meenakshi amman , temple .

Proportion refers to the proper or harmonious relation of one part to another or to the
whole. While the designer usually has a range of choices when determining the
proportions of things, some are given to us by the nature and the man himself.
Human body proportions are used not merely as numbers with an inherent harmony,
but as a system of measurements that could govern lengths, surfaces, and volumes. It
can lend itself to an infinity of combination; it ensures unity with diversity; the
miracle of numbers.

FIG : 19. VEDIC Hindu temple

design.
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 FIG : 20. Hindu temple and the structure of human body comparison .

FIG : 21 . Greek classical order and human body comparison .

Light and color

Light is regarded to be the most important component in definition of space or the

manifestation of form in an architectural space and it act as focal element.We respond
to bright colours, for instance red, with the emotional part of our brain. First, our
muscles get tense, and then we lean towards the colour

FIG : 22 . Martri mandir , Auroville.

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It also affects the visual weight of a form. Gradation of colour exist; from pale to
brilliant; from cold to warm. Thus colour expression is also full of meaning

FIG : 23 . Rose window and Stained glass window ,Notre dame

cathedral ,Paris

Texture

Texture is an important asset of colour. It is the visual and especially tactile quality
given to a surface by shape and arrangement, and the proportions of the parts.Texture
also determines to which the surfaces of a form reflect or absorb incident light it
gives an expression to the surface, thereby contributing to the overall impression

FIG : 24 . temple wall texture.

Symbolism

We can identify iconography depicted in architecture of these buildings as the signs

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and symbols and the inspirations taken directly from some other structure or theories
and thoughts spread across the world.

A symbol is the juxtaposition that is, a co-optation of visible forms brought forth to
demonstrate some invisible matter. One needs to identify with one’s religion that is
where symbols play an important role.( Jose’Pereira, 2004, The Sacred Architecture
of Islam)

FIG : 25 . Sacred symbol of Martri mandir , Auroville.

Sacred geometry – MANDUKA MANDALA (SQUARE )

Manduka mandala is the most common and sacred Hindu temple format, set on a 8 x
8 grid. This floor plan is common in large temples.

Brahma pada, typically where the main and/or largest idol of the temple resides.

Devika (Devaika) padas - the zone where gods (devas) reside.

Manusha padas - the zone where human beings live and symbolically make choice
between good and evil, Devas (gods) and Paisachikas (demons), as they walk /
journey towards the core of the temple for a Darshana (darshan, vision).

Paisachikas padas - the zone of demons, fears, doubts, suffering. On the east edge
are always Surya (Sun) and Indra present, who rhythmically bring light and hope
everyday.

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 FIG : 26 . Manduka mandala.
Source : Wikimedia commons

Sacred geometry – THE VERTICAL LINE.

the most frequent element in ancient Indian architecture, manifesting mainly as

decorative columns, in both Buddhist and Hindu architecture.

Perhaps realizing the power of the lineage, Ashoka built his pillars to spread his
teachings and the message of Buddhism

When repetition is added to this vertical unity, we get a dynamic and virtual facade or
division highlighted by columns and walls of columns.

FIG : 27 . Ashoka pillar . source : Ethnic Stories .

Sacred geometry – THE CIRCLE.

Rarely found as an element of temple planning.The circle was the preferred form in
Buddhist architecture, perhaps symbolizing movement and dynamism, and a
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 metaphysical representation of the heavens covering the earth.

In the Sanchi stupa and Bharhut stupa, the circle is used in height, The dynamic power
of the circle is also expressed in more “realistic” applications of Indian temples, such as
the “wheel” of the Konark temple in Puri.

Semicircles on the chaitya to emphasize the stupa’s position at the climax of the
chaitya form.

FIG : 28 .Sanchi stupa .

Source : Encyclopedia
Britannica .

Sacred geometry – THE TRIANGLE .

The triangle, being the most dynamic of the simple forms, finds a place in ancient Indian
architecture,shikhara of Indian temples, representing the move towards and
sympathizing with the divine power in the heavens.

Another version of the triangle, although with a rectangular base, is again used in the
gopurams of southern India.

FIG : 29 .Brihadeshwara temple .

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 Source : Indian Traditions .

IMPACT OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH

Spirituality influences many decisions that people make.It encourages people to have
better relationships with themselves, others, and the unknown. Spirituality can help
you deal with stress by giving you a sense of peace, purpose, and forgiveness.It often
becomes more important in times of emotional stress or illness.

POSITIVE IMPACTS

- There are several ways that spirituality can support your mental health:

- You may feel a higher sense of purpose, peace, hope, and meaning.

- You may experience better confidence, self-esteem, and self-control.

- It can help you make sense of your experiences in life.

- When unwell, it can help you feel inner strength and result in faster recovery.

- Those in a spiritual community may have more support.

- You may work at better relationships with yourself and others.

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 LITERATURE ANALYSIS

BAHI TEMPLE , SOUTH AMERICA

TEMPLE DONE BY – TANYA AJOY SHRISTI

The South American Bahi Temple of Worship is the most recent structure built
by the spiritually motivated Bahá' community

Fig 30 : Bahi temple .

BRIEF & CONCEPT

Simple and unique in religious history. A circular space with nine sides, nine
entrances, and nine passageways, allowing individuals from many cultures to enter
from all angles. Nine represents completion and perfection.

This has to be expressed in the form. It has to be welcoming to individuals of various

religions, backgrounds, and none at all. A new kind of holy area having no place in
the secular world. As a call to spiritual reflection and architectural pilgrimage

FIG 31 : . concept of Bahi

temple .

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 The outcome is a sculptural structure made up of nine identical, torqued wings.The
temple's interior has a light-filled prayer and meditation hall with a central oculus.

FIG 32 : View of Bahi temple .

Hundreds of slim-profile steel components and nodal connections were used to

construct the wings' superstructure.The project's cladding materials were the result of
"an intensive study into the material qualities that absorb, express, and embody light.

Sacred Architecture Sacred architecture

is found throughout every culture and religion.

It is an inevitable result of the human longing for
divinity and immortality. Usually the buildings
are built in such a way that it is perceived to
connect the society and individual to the divine.
Furthermore, they are constructed of materials
that have a long lasting capabilities as well as a
connection with celestial alignments. However,
celestial alignments change depending on the
intended function with each faith, installation, or
congregation.

Bahá'í architecture successfully incorporates

spiritual, artistic, and cultural influences within
its eight Houses of Worship around the world. In
accordance with principles of the Bahá'í Faith,
the edifices attempt to create an atmosphere
where people of all beliefs, cultures, and
traditions can

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come to pray, meditate, or simply enjoy the tranquility and artistry. Bahá'í architecture
is very different from the sacred architecture of any other era, because its goals are to
unify the people of many different races, backgrounds, and religions into one central
area where peaceful and harmonious thoughts prevail.

FIG 33 : View of Bahi temple .

FEATURES

reflecting pools and a landscape of native grasses, the Bahá’í Temple of South America
is a domed, luminous structure that echoes the rolling topography of the Andes while
appearing to oat some 30 metres above the earth. Its nine monumental glass veils frame
an open and accessible worship space where up to 600 visitors can be accommodated
on curved walnut and leather seating.

Fig 34 : lights through

Bahi temple .

Looking up to the central oculus at

the apex of the dome, visitors will
experience a mesmerizing transfer
of light from the exterior of cast
glass to an interior of translucent
Portuguese marble. At sunset, the
light captured within the dome
shifts from white to silver to ochre
and purple. Openness and
transparency are fundamental to
both the structure and its site.

The bahá’í house of worship can

be accessed by nine entrances
located at regular intervals around
the domed structure, while curving
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paths lead visitors on walking meditations through the sloped landscape. One of the first
development s towards constructability was the division of each wing, originally sculpted
in maya. Aesthetically the final joining pattern was designed to achieve a proportional
harmony at various scale.

Fig 35 : plan and section .

PYRAMID VALLEY , KARNATAKA

A large area dedicated to meditation and spiritual practises is called the Pyramid
Valley. Scientific study on meditation techniques served as inspiration for the
landscape design and architecture of the Pyramid Valley, which provides a calm
environment for meditation.

The primary meditation hall is shaped like a massive pyramid known as the Maitreya-
Buddha Pyramid, which was modelled after the Pyramids of Giza.

Fig 36 : pyramid valley .

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Pyramid Valley is setup with a core objective of providing a COMMON PLATFORM
for all world spiritual masters, to collaborate for a peaceful and love filled planet
Earth in the shortest possible time.

It is a single platform where spiritual masters and leaders from across the globe can
converge and collaborate for the betterment of all the so- cieties. The Pyramid Valley
is run by the Pyramid Spiritual Trust, which organizes several events on the large
campus dedicated to the field of spiritual science. One of the events includes the
Global Congress which attracts new age spiritual masters from across the country and
interna- tionally too.

Why Pyramid as a Structure?

Pyramids are store-houses of energy. Their geometric design collects, radiates,

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and stores Cosmic Energy. Pyramids help to reduce the level of stress and tension in
the physical body. Meditation done inside a pyramid or underneath a Pyramid is
called Pyramid Meditation and it is thrice more powerful. Many people experience
feelings ranging from calmness to extreme euphoria during their meditation sessions
inside the pyramids. Most people who have experimented with Pyramid Meditation,
describe themselves as experiencing a total relaxation of their body, followed by the
shutting out of unnecessary external stimuli and irrelevant thoughts and finally
achieving an altered state of consciousness which allows them to concentrate on
deeper inner levels.

Pyramids provide most effective high-energy environments for beginners of

meditation. Pyramids help to reduce the level of stress and tension in the physical
body. The Journey from the entrance to the Pyramid is surrounded by beautiful
landscape of rocks, lush green gardens, soothing water bodies, and pathways,
transcending the mind towards calmness. The peaceful meditative Buddha at the
entrance of the Pyramid is a perfect setting to be one with self. This is a paradise to
relax, meditate or just to be one with nature or experiment by learning new life skills
where the spiritual and emotional needs are met. It is also a place to encounter the
experiences of the world spiritual masters and develop a holistic approach to life and
learning.

Sacred form and geometry.

Main attraction in Pyramid Valley, Maitreya Buddha Pyramid is the world’s largest
pyramid built solely for practicing intensive meditation. About 10 stories tall (102
feet in height) and has a base of 160 ft by 160 ft. is oriented in the north-south
direction, built on principle of the Giza Pyramid and has an inner chamber at one
third height.he sides of the pyramid follow the golden angle of inclination at 51° 50’,
and the King’s Chamber, energetically the most powerful spot in the Pyramid, is
placed at the center and elevated at 1/3rd of the Pyramid’s height

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MATERIAL AND COLOR

The murals featured on the Pyramid’s faces represent the four elements of water,
earth, air and fire, while the space inside the Pyramid represents the fifth cosmic
element, Material palette of exposed bricks, clay jaali blocks, exposed concrete
surface, dry stone pitching, Granite, Kadapa stone, Sadara Alli stones has been used.

LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

The beautiful landscape of rocks, rich greenery, tranquil water features, and
walkways surrounding the pyramid's entrance help to transcend the mind and bring it
to peace.
The Zen Garden has a symbolism and significance in the context of spirituality. Be
sure to experience this unique power spot during your next visit to Pyramid Valley.

MATRI MANDIR, AUROVILLE

The Matrimandir, also known as the Temple of the Mother in Sanskrit, is a building
in the centre of Auroville that holds special spiritual importance for those who
practise Integral yoga. It was created by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

The Matrimandir, known as the "soul of the city," is located in the heart of Auroville,
in a vast open space known as the "Park of Unity," from which the future township
will extend.

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SACRED GEOMETRY

Its cross section perfectly incorporates the Golden Section and the Great Pyramid's
proportions Additionally, it was found that Sri Aurobindo's symbol perfectly fit into the
Shali gramme,the shape in which Matrimandir was constructed There are two triangles
inside that are the same size as the Great Pyramid.

One-third of the Great Pyramid's height is where the energy field is located.
The energy field will be focused in a band of around 110 cm if we project this onto the
two triangles inside the Shaligram.

The Inner Chamber,where the people will be seated, is where this band will be

INNER CHAMBER

With white marble walls and thick, white carpeting, the roomy Inner Chamber in the
Matrimandir's top hemisphere is all white.A pure crystal glass globe that sits in the
centre is lighting by an electrically guided sunlight ray that enters through an opening
at the apex of the sphere.

The Inner Chamber is illuminated naturally by this glowing globe.Steel makes up the
twelve pillars in the roomAs a result, the Matrimandir's twelve-pillared chamber
symbolises "A Thousand-Pillared Home" in heaven.

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FOUR PILLARS

The four pillars that support the struc fure of Matrimandir, and carry the Inner
Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the compass.They depict the
four aspects or personal ifies of the mother

The Matrimandir is a great example having all the spiritual qualities such as natural light,
scale and proportion of the hall, the pathway for the inner chamber, the colour and
texture, the landscape, the presence of lotus flower and water body around.
The plan form and vertical proportions are according to the sacred geometry and the

concept of the Universal Mother makes Matrimandir an ideal place for

contemplation.

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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

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