Lotus temple (1)

lotus temple and its architecture

1. LOTUS TEMPLE

2. PRIMARY ELEMENTS: CENTRAL POINT INNER LEAVES OUTER LEAVES OUTERMOST LEAVES All the points join to form lines of the leaves and these curved lines form the structure. The surfaces are all inclined to 45 degree angle from each other.

3. In plan its form is composition of circles and circular segments . Stable and neutral plan because of its centrally oriented planning. The form in its plan is the collision of 2 figures i.e. a square and a rhombus FORM: Conceptually inspired this flower symbolizes purity and holiness in the Hindu tradition is that the architect Fariborz Sahba

4. The temple gives the impression of a half-open lotus flower, afloat, surrounded by its leaves. Each component of the temple is repeated nine times. Since the lotus is open at the top, a glass and steel roof at the level of the radial beams provides protection from rain and facilitates the entry of natural light into the auditorium. INNER LEAVES HOUSING THE MAIN PRAYER HALL OUTER LEAVES COVERING THE INNER HALL ENTRANCE LEAVES FORM: The inner leaves enclose the interior dome in a canopy made of crisscrossing ribs and shells of intricate pattern. When viewed from inside, each layer of ribs and shells disappear as it rises, behind the next, lower layer. Some of the ribs converge radially and meet at a central hub. 

5. The outer coating of white marble makes the building visible from a distance and highlight with sunlight, turning purple at sunset. FORM: LOTUS TEMPLE IN DAY LOTUS TEMPLE AT NIGHT The temple is surrounded by nine large pools of water that not only enhance its beauty but also play a role in the natural cooling system of the hall. All elements are in multiples of “9” as it is said to symbolise comprehensiveness, oneness and unity.

6. With respect to the main entrance of the site, the temple entrance is OBLIQUE APPROACH CIRCULATION: ENTRY INFORMATION CENTRE VIEW OF TEMPLE ON RIGHT FROM ENTRANCE VIEW FROM MAIN NODE CONFIGURATION OF PATH Linear path PATH-SPACE RELATIONSHIP Path passes by the spaces. It is done by planting avenue trees

7. ENTRANCE The outermost petals open outwards to form entrance. CONFIGURATION OF PATH Radial path PATH-SPACE RELATIONSHIP Path passes by the spaces and terminates at he central chamber MAIN ENTRY SECONDARY ENTRY The temple is reached by a flight of steps on the front and green mounds on both sides which adds a vertical dimension to it. APPROACH Frontal approach CIRCULATION: SENSE OF VERTICALITY COMMON PLINTH TERMINATING POINT- PRAYER HALL

8. SPACE WITHIN A SPACE A space may be contained within the volume of a larger space. SPATIAL ORGANISATION- CENTRALISED ORGANISATION ORGANISATION OF SPACE: GREEN SITE AS SPACE PRAYER HALL AS SPACE WITHIN SPACE AS IT IS AT COMMON PLINTH All the spaces are arranged around the central prayer hall covered by leaves. PATTERN OF ORGANISATION in this case the pattern is TERMINATING IN OR AROUND THE CENTRAL SPACE. MAIN SPACE (PRAYER HALL) SECONDARY SPACES (WATER BODIES )

9. A line established by two points in space, about which forms and spaces can be arranged in a symmetrical or balanced manner. AXIS Main building Administrative building ORDERING PRINCIPLES:

10. SYMMETRY Radial symmetry refers to the balanced arrangement of similar, radiating elements such that the composition can be divided into similar halves by passing a plane at any angle around a center point or along a central axis. ORDERING PRINCIPLES:

11. The articulation of the importance or significance of a form or space by its size, shape, or placement relative to the other forms and spaces of the organization HIERARCHY The hierarchy is marked by the entrace to the temple. At the main entrance,there are long steps being an exception to an otherwise regular pattern. There are 2 other pathways marking the entry/exit to the temple, but are less in width marking the hierachy of spaces. All the other spaces do not have separate pathways to access, but are on platform. ORDERING PRINCIPLES: MAIN PRAYER HALL PLINTH MARKING ENTRANCE

12. A unifying movement characterized by a patterned repetition or alternation of formal elements or motifs in the same or a modified form. RHYTHM & REPETITON The design is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. These 3 petals each with a pond, have been repeated symmetrically at reguar intervals creating a rhythmic pattern. Rhythmic patterns provide continuity and lead us to anticipate what comes next. ORDERING PRINCIPLES: 3 petals and a water body are rhythmically repeated 9 times.

13. Its external structure consists of 27 giant marble petals reaching to a height of upto 40 m. SCALE AND PROPORTION: Scale alludes to the size of something compared to a reference standard or to the size of something else. TOTAL SITE AREA : 105000 SQ.M. X 2X X X 4X 26X 4X X 26X 40M. HIGH – MONUMENTAL SCALE PRAYER HALL 40M. HIGH WITH SKYLIGHT IN CENTRE-TO SIGNIFY CONNECTION WITH UNIVERSE

14. 28MTS 33.6MTS 22.5MTS 7.8MTS SCALE AND PROPORTION: All the elements are in proportion to each other. PROPORTION REFERS TO THE PROPER OR HARMONIOUS RELATION OF ONE PART TO ANOTHER OR TO THE WHOLE. From the main node the structure looks monumental The entry gates in the main hall are in human scale with almost 4m of height Once you enter the main prayer hall, the sense of monumentality continues with the hall almost 40 m. High. The hall can seat almost 1200 people at a time.

15. SOURCE: http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/architectural-blossoming https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Lotus_Temple_(Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_House_of_Worship) http://www.architecture-student.com/architecture/lotus-temple-delhi-innovation-in-architecture/ DK CHING –FORM SPACE AND ORDER