ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research paper is a collective e ort by a number of people and I am grateful to each individual for their time and e ort spared
I am highly indebted to Prof. Sonali Roy Chandra for her guidance and constant supervision in providing necessary information regarding the paper & also for their support in the completion of the paper I would like to express my gratitude towards other faculties of USAP for their kind cooperation and encouragement throughout
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents and my brother for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me throughout this journey To my amazing friends, your constant encouragement and camaraderie have also been invaluable
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Sector 16C, Dwarka, New Delhi- 110078
ArchitecturalThesis 2023-24
Nalanda Reborn : A Sanctuary for Learning and the Flourishing of Monastic Life
5A
AparnaGupta,
2.2.4.
1 Hypothesis
Building a monastery in Nalanda will revitalize monastic culture by serving monks, honoring Nalanda's history, and attracting new practitioners
2 Aim
To design a monastery in Nalanda that caters to the needs of Buddhist monks by drawing inspiration from the historical and cultural context of Nalanda
3 Need
Reviving Significance: Reconnecting Nalanda to its Buddhist legacy and attracting visitors interested in its rich history
Promoting Management: Fostering responsible development and cultural preservation alongside increased tourism.
Serving Monks: O ering a dedicated space for practice closer to the historical center, further enriching the experience for visitors.
Figure1- amidstadministrationandarchaeologist'sdiscussionofthefaceliftofNalanda [1] [2]
Figure2- newsarticleupdateaboutmasterplan [3]
Figure3-proposaltomakeamasterplan, whichisstillinthemakingasof15thMarch2024[4]
4 Objectives
4 1 To assess the current state and potential of the Nalanda complex and museum as a monastery and for monks
4.2. To explore the socio-cultural and geographical context surrounding the Nalanda site, including its historical importance as a center of learning and pilgrimage.
4 3 To design and implement architectural interventions with expanded public spaces and private spaces to enhance monks experience and engagement.
4.4. To study lifestyle of buddhist monk to design spaces accordingly.
5. Scope
This thesis proposes a in Nalanda, India. Designed for Buddhist monks, it aims to revitalize monastic life. The architecture will draw inspiration from Nalanda's historical significance as a center of learning, while incorporating sustainable practices The focus is on creating a space that fosters the monks' spiritual growth, daily
routines, and well-being This project seeks to serve the monks, honor Nalanda's legacy, and attract new practitioners, ultimately contributing to a flourishing monastic community
6 Limitations
Limitations include lacking large-scale facilities akin to the historical Nalanda University Additionally, the architectural design must respect the presence of neighboring temples, limiting the extent of expansion and modernization. These constraints necessitate a balance between preserving historical integrity and meeting contemporary demands for tourism and cultural revitalization
7. Methodology
7.1. Literature Review - I: Explore scholarly works, historical documents, and architectural studies related to Nalanda's history, Buddhist architecture, and cultural significance
72 Site Study & Documentation: Conduct on-site surveys, analyze existing structures, and document architectural features, considering contextual factors and neighboring temples.
7.3. Inferences and Design approach: Based on the site and context study the area program will be designed. Further I will study how those spaces should be designed What should be major principles of design? What should be the concept? How to execute the concept? Appropriate construction material? What should be my stakeholders? What is the lifestyle of monks?
74 Literature Review - II: Problem study - what and how spaces should be designed based on context, site information, and vision Concept, stakeholder, construction material
7.5. Case Study: Examine successful heritage preservation and tourism projects, drawing insights into design strategies, community engagement, and sustainability practices Concept, area prog, construction techniques
76 Area Programme: Define programmatic requirements based on stakeholder consultations, considering visitor needs, cultural activities, and revenue-generation opportunities.
7.7. Design Development: Iteratively develop design concepts integrating historical preservation, modern amenities, and community feedback, ensuring sensitivity to cultural and environmental contexts
8. Keywords
8.1. Chaitya - A "chaitya" is a Buddhist prayer hall or shrine.
8 2 Vihara - In Buddhism, viharas serve as places of residence, meditation, and study for monks and nuns
8.3. Stupa - A stupa is a Buddhist architectural structure that serves as a sacred monument and a place of worship, meditation, and veneration. Stupas are characterized by their dome-shaped or mound-like structure, often containing relics or remains of Buddha or other revered figures
8 4 Shrine - A shrine is a sacred or holy place dedicated to worship, often associated with religious or spiritual significance.
1 Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
1 1 Location Of Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara is located in the Rajgir subdivision of Nalanda district (popularly known as Biharsharif) of Bihar state, Patna [5]
Figure4- DistrictmapofBihar[6]
Figure5- DivisionsmapofNalanda[7]
The monument is about 95 kilometers southeast of Patna. The site is about 15 kilometers south of the district headquarters of Nalanda, Bihar Sharif [9] The rivers Phalgu, and Mohane flow through the district of Nalanda The various sub-divisions of the district are Biharsharif, Rajgir, and Hilsa Out of three Revenue Sub-Divisions, Biharsharif is the sadar Sub-Division and the most urbanized. Hilsa sub-division is predominantly rural and agricultural Rajgir, the smallest sub-division of the three is the most important from the tourism perspective Rajgir, Nalanda remains, and Pawapuri are in the Rajgir sub-division [5] The district is divided into blocks of Giriyak, Rahui, Nursarai, Harnaut, Chandi, Islampur, Rajgir, Asthawan, Sarmera, Hilsa, Biharsharif, Ekangarsarai, Ben, Nagarnausa, Karaiparsurai, Silao, Parwalpur, Katrisarai, Bind, and Tharthari It is spread over an area of 2,367 sq km The total population of the district is 19,97,995 [5]
1.2. Brief Description
The Excavated remains of Nalanda Mahavihara are located in the northeastern state of Bihar, India The Mahavihara is associated with the revival of Buddhism in the 3rd century BC and its flourishing in medieval times, before the sack and abandonment of Nalanda in the 13th century. It includes stupas, chaityas, shrines, viharas, and important artworks in stucco, stone and metal The layout of the buildings testifies to the change from clustered grouping around the stupa-chaitya, to a linear alignment flanking an axis from south to north The historic development of the property testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions [10]
1.3. Introduction
Nalanda Mahavihara is located around 70 kilometers southwest of Patna, the provincial capital of Bihar, India. It covers an area of 23 hectares It is the archaeological remains of a monastic-cum-scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD It is 'bu ered' by a 5788 ha area, between 30 to 400 meters wide, around the property’s area. The bu er zone consists primarily of agricultural land and bodies of water. Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India during 1915-37 and 1974-82 reveal that the site includes the
remains of the principal stupa encased in a chaitya (stupa chaitya), 4 chaityas, 11 viharas (residential and educational buildings), and a large number of votive stupas and shrines [10]
Early Indian education witnessed two main stages in its development, viz., the gurukulas or the Vedic school system, and the monastery or university education system The Gurukul was mainly the center for primary education that later evolved also into a college such as Taxila However, the mahaviharas being centers for institutionalized education mainly focused on higher education. The main universities of ancient India were Nalanda, Vikramashila Odantapuri, Valabhi, etc. Nalanda University was the coordinator of this institutional educational system The devoted monk students and scholars were always engaged in re-exploring and researching deeply the Buddhist philosophy This highly moral and spiritual life was not only taught Buddhism but also practiced with its full spirituality, morality, and rituality [11] The institution was maintained by the revenue collected from the villages [12]
Figure5- AmapoftheexcavatedremainsofNalanda [13]
1 4 History
Nalanda Mahavihara, regarded as one of the greatest universities of the ancient world, was founded by Kumaragupta I (413-455 A.D.) of the great Gupta dynasty. King Harshavardhana of Kannauj (606-647 A.D.) and the Pala kings of east India (8th-12th Century A D) continued to extend patronage to this center The decline of this great institution started in the later Pala period but the final blow came in around 1200 A D by the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khalji who destroyed it by fire and the glory of Nalanda thus got buried under the soil. [12] Set up initially as a center of Buddhist learning, philosophy, alchemy, anatomy, and mathematics, this residential university attracted many renowned scholars and students from various parts of central and east Asia, such as China, Korea, Tibet, Mongolia, and Turkey. Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing were distinguished visiting scholars at Nalanda. At its peak, Nalanda accommodated as many as 10,000 students and 2000 teachers. [14]
1 5 Cultural life at Nalanda
Nalanda's cultural life was a true representation of Buddhist sacred worship, rituals, and ceremonies from its establishment The study at Nalanda consisted of more than just theological knowledge of the Buddhist religion and philosophy The student was required to perform the religious rites and worship images, about which he read in holy Buddhist scriptures. With time, these sacred duties got institutionalized in the everyday life of Nalanda,
which were followed with deep devotion The ceremonies and rituals start with joining the monastery itself and continue till the end of the study of every monk [11]
1 6 Similar structures like Nalanda
I Vallabhi in Gujarat
II. Vikramshila in Bihar
III. Benaras in Uttar Pradesh
IV Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu
V Odantapuri in Bihar
These universities were also influential centers of education and shared built typology (Viharas, Chaityas, Stupas). [10] Nalanda together with the universities of Vikramasila and Odantapuri, su ered gravely during the conquest of Bihar by the Muslim General Muhammad Bhaktiyar Khalji between 1197 and 1206 AD, and many monks were killed or forced to leave. Survivors fled to Nepal and Tibet, and Tibetan monks who in previous times would have gone to India for advanced studies now went to Nepal to study and in search of manuscripts The cultural life was di erent in other mahaviharas of di erent sects of Buddhism Such as Vikramasila, the monastery of Hi nayana sect had a di erent structure of everyday life with dissimilar rituals. [11]
1 7 Architecture and planning
1.7.1. Origin
I. Nalanda was started in the 3rd century BC when Emperor Ashoka consecrated the bodily remains of Sariputta in a stupa - the core of site no 3 today (refer to figure 10) - and established a college [10]
II It originated as a small vihara and then expanded as a mahavihara, which later transformed into the temple of learning. [11]
III As the viharas became permanent places of residence, the want of monks increased Afterward which, Buddha allowed the monks to have a fence made of bamboo sticks, thorns, or a ditch
IV. Gradually as viharas became repositories of learned men they began to attract students for the acquisition of knowledge The doors of the Buddhist were now thrown open to the students as well, who if they chose were at liberty to leave the monastery and embrace the life of a householder, after they finished their education [11]
V. The mounds beyond the excavated site suggest that Nalanda may have extended over an area of at least two square kilometers and possibly included more rows of viharas and several chaityas. [10]
1 72 Master plan
I. The buildings of the site are organized in two systems. The earlier is a clustered stupa-centric one, which means that the viharas are organized around a sacred core, which is the focal stupa The later system of site organization is linear, with viharas organized in a linear-axial alignment on a north-south axis Refer to figure 10
II The earlier clustered arrangement did not permit expansion whereas the later linear arrangement accommodated expansion. [10]
III. The whole of Nalanda University was well planned and arranged in such a way that students and teachers could do meditation and veneration with their studies every time and at every place.
IV. Whenever a monk comes out of his monastery, the first thing visible is the stupa or temple to which he can easily reach and perform sacrificial rites and prayer It is also beneficial in the sense that the monks can revere in the night also.
V The temples are also clearly visible from student's rooms, so they can also pray every time from the room itself. [11]
VI Extensive drainage systems were executed with the utmost engineering expertise [14] refer figure 7
VII. The vast remains of Nalanda expand around 1600 ft. north to south, and 800 ft. east to west. [15]
VIII The extensive open space between the lines of monasteries and temples might have been a square-like broad main street.
IX Along this street must have erected many stores and refectories of wood, giving liveliness to the 'university town' [17] Figure7- Drainageroutesrunningoncampus refer to figures 8 & 9.
1 73 Structures
I. Preserved in situ are the structural remains of viharas and chaityas whose layers of construction show the evolution of the respective forms [11]
II On the campus, there were spaces to live, learn, and practice Buddhism that is - Chaityas, Viharas, Stupa, Shrines, libraries, and important artworks in stucco, stone, and metal. [8]
III Given this wide knowledge base, the ancient university had three buildings entirely devoted to the library This library, known as Dharma Gunja had the largest repository of Buddhist and Hindu literature in the world in its time [14]
IV. The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara established and developed planning, architectural, and artistic principles that were adopted later by many similar institutions in the Indian Subcontinent, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. [8]
V. The red-bricked monasteries and temples, pathways, and compounds keep the magnificent history of such a beautiful and prestigious place alive [15]
1 73 1 Chaitya
I. A chaitya is a sanctified religious entity. There are two types of Buddhist chaityas: a panchayatan chaitya which is of quincunx form, and a cruciform chaitya
II Site no 3 is the only panchayata chaitya on the property and is Nalanda's important contribution to Buddhist architecture. It is the only surviving early panchayatan chaitya which was adopted extensively after the 6th century AD The property includes three cruciform chaityas: sites no 12, 13 and 14 [10]
III The exterior wall has niches, pilasters, and decorative brick moldings
IV. The main temple site 3 is the largest and most imposing structure at the southern extremity of the row of temples and is surrounded by votive stupas.
Figure8- Streetsinbetweenmonasteries Figure9- CorridorsofViharas[15]
V. A temple di erent in character and not conforming to the general layout of the remains is represented by temple site 2, refer to figure 14 Temple no 2 notably features 211 sculptured religious and secular panels over the moulded plinth These include Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, and Gajalakshmi, Kinnaras playing musical instruments, various representations of Makaras, as well as human couples in amorous postures, as well as scenes of art and everyday life [13]
VI The chaitya of Nalanda Temples has an oblong projection at each of the four corners to accommodate four small shrines and shows a broad flight of steps in the middle of the eastern front.
VII. The chaitya again seems to have been protected in the southern, western, and northern directions by a long continuous compound wall [16]
Figure13- Planofapanchayatachaitya - siteno 12
Figure14- Planoftemple2- siteno 2
Figure15- viewofentrance oftemple2- siteno 2
73 2 Vihara
I A vihara is a residential-cum-educational building The remains of 11 viharas have been excavated in Nalanda
II. The earliest four are clustered around the stupa chaitya whereas the later seven are organized on a linear southnorth axis
III The quadrangular viharas in Nalanda attained a regular form and consisted of rooms organized around a rectangular courtyard. A staircase at the southwest corner led to the upper floors. A room for each scholar opened onto a corridor overlooking the courtyard.
IV The courtyard was used for classes, debates, and religious activities with communal access A centrally-located shrine was added during the later Pala dynasty period, with the development of rituals to be conducted inside viharas. [10] refer to figure 16.
V There were also small temples constructed with possible Buddha images at the main gate of every vihara, inside the monastery facing the main gate, and sometimes at every corner of the hostels [11]
VI. The monasteries are quite identical in general layout and appearance. The central courtyard, the row of cells all around with a common verandah, a secret chamber for keeping valuables, a staircase for going to upper stories, kitchen, well, granary, single entrance, and common place for prayer or meeting, etc are some characteristic features of almost all the monasteries at Nalanda. [12]
Figure11- Siteno. 13
Figure12- Externalwallswithdecorations - siteno. 12
1.7.3.3. Stupa
A stupa is a structure associated with the sacred life of Nalanda scholars There are two types of stupas: relic and votive In Nalanda, there is only one relic stupa which is the core of site no 03 It was constructed by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to consecrate the bodily remains of Sariputta. It became the core for seven successive additions, assuming the shape of a chaitya or stupa-chaitya. A large number of votive stupas (commemorative stupas) are consecrated throughout the property around the di erent chaityas They are of two types; the first type is built of bricks and stucco and the second is built of stone [10]
1 73 4 Shrine
At the eastern edge of the excavated site, the Shrine Mound dates to the 7th and 8th centuries AD.
Figure16- Courtyardwithawell- siteno 9
Figure17- Planofamonastery - siteno 6
Figure18- Courtyardwithstupa - siteno 6
Figure19- Cellsofmonasteries - siteno 11
Figure20- Stupaatsiteno 3
Figure21- Siteno 3
It is rich with the remains of architectural and decorative features, including many subsidiary shrines, moulded decorations, pilasters, niches for displaying images of deities, traces of lime plaster, and steps
According to literary records, the Shrine Mound housed an 80-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. The Shrine Mound is of a quadrangular layout and is also referred to as a chaitya [10] The shrine still exists above and bears traces of a colossal stucco image of Buddha [16]
1.7.4. Material
1 74 1 Stucco
Stucco is a cement-based mixture of water, sand, lime, and Portland cement that is applied wet and hardened into a solid material Traces of art in stucco are evident at site no 01, 12, 13, and the most elaborate at site no 03 Every structure used stucco for decoration by creating paintings, images and sculptures in niches or on the walls [10] Figure 22plastered walls with exquisite ornamentation and r walls of site no. 2
The Nalanda ruins in Bihar, India, are made of red used to replace damaged brickwork, cover vulnera thick red brick walls to insulate the interiors shows
1 74 3 Stone
Artisans at Nalanda create religious figures and ho architectural style is also notable for its elaborate u designs [19]
1 74 4 Metal
Burnt metal and slag have been disco
Fig24- Use
1.7.4.2. Brick and lime
Buddhist monastery at Nalanda, Bihar
I For bathing, sometimes a hundred, or a thousand (priests) leave the monastery together and proceed in all directions towards several great pools of water near Nalanda where all of them take a bath.
II For cleaning teeth, they used wooden sticks (a small stick taken out of a large piece of wood)
III The dressing pattern at Nalanda was di erent for each community It varies according to the status of individuals such as students, monks, teachers, professors, working sta , laymen, etc.
IV. The concept of the distinction between pure and impure food was also quite prominent at Nalanda.
V At a reception or ordinary meals, no one ought to touch another or taste any fresh food until he has rinsed his mouth with pure water
VI. The clean water is kept separately in earthenware or porcelain for drinking and water for cleansing purposes in an iron or copper jar
VII Installation of a new image, selection of a new teacher, victory even in a religious discussion and so on could lead to happy moments in the campus life followed by many rituals.
VIII On arrival of a visitor, who was a venerable guest, took his rest in the front apartment, and when he was a novice he went to a private place for rest at the request of his host
IX. There was a famous halting-place Pavarika's Mango-grove at Nalanda for Buddha where many sermons and discussions with other cults were held [11]
1.7.6. Architectural features
I. The architecture of Nalanda generally represents two di erent periods of construction, a later temple having been erected directly upon the ruins of an earlier one
II The external facade of the earlier structure was decorated throughout with projecting niches and pilasters of various patterns.
III The outer plan of Nalanda is almost square, the dimensions being roughly 52 by 50 m
IV. The later walls of Nalanda are, however, plain wherever they exist To the east of the chaitya, there is a large forecourt originally concrete-paved, on which a few fragmentary votive stupas are still standing. [16]
V. A Hindu temple of the same period, designated temple site 2 in the plan, abuts the rear wall (east) of monasteries 7 and 8 Its association with the Buddhist University of Nalanda is unclear It is di erent in character and doesn't conform to the general layout of the remains as well. [18]
Figure 28 - Black Buddha temple
VI Near the ruins, there is a temple of the Black Buddha, where a black-colored sculpture of Gautam Buddha, which was also excavated from the site, is placed. [15] refer figure 28.
➔ Nalanda'sarchitecturalorientationalongaNorth-Southaxis, withmonasteriesaccessiblefromthenortheastand temples(chaityas)alsosituatedinthatdirection, reflectsitsadherencetoVastu-Shastraprinciplesand considerationofthelocalclimate
➔ AxialplanningwasemployedtoensurethatBuddhawasvisiblefromallpointswithinthecomplex
➔ Nalandadrawsvisitorsfromdiverseregions, includingTibet, whopilgrimagetothishistoricsite, highlightingits globalsignificanceasacenterofBuddhistlearningandculturalexchange
➔ HistoricalrecordsindicatethatresidentsofNalandawouldutilizenearbypondsforbathing, revealingascarcityof dedicatedbathingfacilitieswithinthecampusinfrastructure
➔ TheintricatestuccopaintingsandmetalartworksfoundinNalandaareconsideredunparalleledintheir craftsmanship, posingsignificantchallengesforreplicationincurrenttimes
➔ Eachcellwithinthecomplexwasdesignedtocomfortablyhousetwoindividuals, reflectingthepragmatic approachtoaccommodationinNalanda (32x27m)
➔ CourtyardsemergedaspivotalspaceswithinNalanda, servingmultifunctionalrolesincludinghosting celebrations, religiousceremonies, andcommunitygatherings
➔ ThearchitecturallayoutofNalandafeaturedaratioofapproximatelytwoviharastoonechaitya, asindicatedin thecurrentsiteplan RitualsandworshipformedintegralaspectsofdailylifeinNalanda, influencingthedesignof spacestoaccommodatethesespiritualpracticese ectively
➔ Allstudentsresidedinthesameviharas, withhierarchyinspacesaccordingtoprivacy, ie theprivacydecreases andengagementwithotherpeopleincreasesinorderof- rooms>verandas>courtyards>templesorprayerhalls
➔ Viharas, chaityas, andstupaseachhaddistinctarchitecturalstyles (refer-Topic - 173)
Figure29- ConjecturalReconstructionofTempleNo 3, NalandaUniversity[37]
Chapter 3 | Site analysis
1. Contextual analysis / Nalanda district
1.1. Location
Site coordinates - 25 134823284412988, 85 44723190834779
The site is located in the Rajgir subdivision of Nalanda district (popularly known as Biharsharif) of Bihar state, Patna opposite the Nalanda ruins and adjacent to the Nalanda museum
Figure29- Masterplandrawnbyauthor
1 2 Land jurisdiction
I. The AMASR specifies a zone measuring 100 meters from the edge of the protected area as “the prohibited area ” , and one measuring a further 200 meters from the prohibited area as “the regulated area ” . This land is owned by ASI Refer to figure 29
II. The whole bu er zone is within the range of 300 meters from the property area; that is, the prohibited area and regulated area. It is of 57.88 HA area. The bu er zone is under mixed ownership. [10]
➔ Thesitecomesunderthebu erzoneandisownedbyASI
➔ SincethelandisunderASIbu erzone, preferredsystemofconstructionistemporary
I Near the site, in the bu er zone, the land is allocated for various institutional land uses only The site also comes under the bu er zone.
II The bu er zone contains many public facilities, including a museum and related facilities, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, an interpretation center managed by the State Government of Bihar, a village-level road, seven temples and shrines, two schools, a hospital, a parking lot for tourists, street stalls selling souvenirs, and 25 residential units housing 175 people. Refer to figure 31.
III Also within the bu er zone are agricultural land and water features, which are of historical significance
IV People visit the Nalanda ruins and the complex for leisure, religious, and educational purposes [10]
V. The site and its remains are under constant manual surveillance to prevent the same from any mechanical injury induced by increased footfall, especially during October to March i e at the peak season
VI In the temple of the black Buddha, rituals are performed sometimes
➔ Thelanduseanalysisrevealsthattheareanearthesiteisdesignatedforamixofinstitutional, healthcare, and publicbuildings
➔ Withinthepublicbuildings, thereisaninterpretationcenterandamuseumsolelydevotedtoNalanda Buddhist monastery at Nalanda, Bihar
Figure31- Landusemap
Figure34- Healthcarecenter
Figure35- AdarshMadhyaVidhyalya, Primaryschool
Figure36- RasBihariVidhyalya, Secondaryschool
➔ Someofthelandhasbuildingsthatweredevelopedinthe2000sandarecurrentlyinuse
➔ ThesitefallswithinthedesignatedlandfortheNalandaMuseumComplex, withonlyonemuseumconstructedon it;therestofthearearemainsvacant
➔ TouristsvisitingNalandatypicallylodgeinRajgirorBodhgaya However, withina10kmradiusofNalanda, there arealsohospitalityservicesavailable
➔ NearthesitearesomecommercialtemporarystructuresaswellservingthetouristsofNalanda Likerestaurants andeateriesetc
➔ Themainsettlementextends1kmfromthesiteinboththenorthandsouthdirections
1.4. Stakeholders Information
1 4 1 Population
I Male: 12,36,467
II. Female: 11,31,860
III Total: 23,68,327
IV Sex ratio - 915 [20]
1.4.2. Occupation
I Agriculture is the main source of occupation The farmers mainly grow paddy, Potato, and Onion
Figure30- Landutilization[21]
I. Few people of the district are also involved in handloom weaving.
II Since the district is a famous tourist destination, tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Nalanda [20]
➔ Stakeholdersareinvolvedinbusinessesmajorly(weaving, tourism, agriculture).
➔ Thefertilityofthesoilisthemajorreasonforagriculture.
1.5. Tourism in Nalanda
I. In Nalanda, tourism has experienced a notable surge since 2014, with a significant boost following its UNESCO recognition in 2016, attracting visitors globally Since then, tourism has become an integral part of the district's economy
II. A 2014 survey revealed 400 tourists, with 304 domestic and 96 international visitors. The majority of domestic tourists hailed from Bihar, while the highest number of international visitors were from Japan
III Among domestic tourists, leisure was the predominant motive for travel, whereas international tourists were primarily drawn to Nalanda for religious reasons. [22]
Figure37- ClassificationsofTourists
Figure39- ProfileofDomesticTourists[22] Figure40- ProfileofInternationalTourists[22]
➔ Domestictourismpredominantlyrevolvesaroundrecreationandleisureactivities, whileinternationaltourism, primarilycentersaroundreligiouspurposes.
➔ Amonginternationaltourists, visitorscomefromaroundtheglobe, especiallythepeoplehailingfromregions whereBuddhismispredominantlypracticed.
➔ ManyBuddhistmonksvisitNalandatomeditateandlearnaboutitsrichhistory.
➔ Tourismtendstopeakinwinter.
➔ Nalandaholdsaspiritualvalueforinternationaltourists.
Figure30- MonksatNalanda[39]
1 6 Culture Festival
1.6.1. Chhath Puja - A four-day festival that involves fasting, taking a holy dip in the river, and praying to the Sun God.
1 6 2 Buddha Jayanti - Also known as Baisakhi Purnima, this festival is celebrated on the full moon day in May, the day Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away
1.6.3. Rajgir Mahotsav - A three-day dance and music festival organized by the Nalanda district administration.
1 6 4 Kundalpur Mahotsav - A festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir
Figure41- PrayingandsellingofsouvenirsinBlack Figure42- RajgirMahotsav Buddhatemple
➔ DuetoitssignificanceasacenterofBuddhism, eventsrelatedtoBuddhaandthereligionarecelebrated extensivelyinNalanda.
➔ Withinthecomplex, avacantspacehasbeentransformedintotheBlackBuddhatemple, whereprayers, ritualsand worshiptakeplace
➔ ThepresenceoftheBlackBuddhaTempleleadstotheproliferationofsouvenirshopsandstallscateringto devoteesdrawntothesite
➔ ThelocalcommunityofNalandaorganizeseventsforresidentsofthedistrict
2 Site analysis
2 1 Site connectivity
2.1.1. By Air (Airport) -
The nearest airport is Patna Airport is around 76 km from Biharsharif.
2 1 2 By Rail -
Bihar Sharif junction (BEHS) is located on the Broad gauge branch line connecting Patna, Bakhtiyarpur, and Tilaiya via Raigir. It belongs to East Central Railway, Danapur division. The town is served by a direct daily superfast train to New Delhi Besides there are numerous passenger connections to the state capital Patna and Rajgir from where the rest of India is well connected
2.1.3. By Road -
Well connected to another city through NH – 30A,31,82,110 State Highway – 4,71,78 and another road -Hilsa Noorsarai Rd, Chandi Sohsarai Road, Bihar Nizain Road, Bidhipur Soradih Rd, Asthawa Saksohra Rd, Chainpur Rajgir Road.
2 1 4 Nearest hospital
I Jeevan Jyoti Superspeciality Hospital, 14km
2.1.5. Nearest College
Famous institutes of Nalanda district are:
I Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, 1km
II Sainik School Nalanda, 9 8km
III. Nalanda College, 15km
2 1 6 Nearest School
There are two just adjacent to the site, refer to Figure 31
I. Adarsh Madhya Vidhyalya, Primary school
II Ras Bihari Vidhyalya, Secondary school
2 1 7 Nearest Police station
I. Nalanda Police Station, 4km
2 1 8 1 Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall - A Chinese-style building with information about Xuan Zang's life and travels to India
2.1.8.2. Kundalpur Digambar Jain Temple Bihar - A complex of six Jain temples with a marble facade and serene atmosphere
➔ Asthesiteservesasatouristdestination, itenjoysexcellenttransportationconnectivity ➔ Prominentlandmarksliewithina2kmradius, attractingvisitorswhooftenexplorethesedestinationsalongside Nalanda.
2.2. Site Plan and Information
2 2 1 Site Attributes
I Site area - 21,940 sqm
II. Site perimeter - 668m
III The lowest level of the site - 58m
IV Highest level of site - 61m
V. Sea level - 66.7 meters above sea level
VI. Earthquake zone- The property is located in Earthquake Zone IV (moderate to high risk) with the epicenter in Nepal. VII Existing structures on site (795 sqm) - Nalanda museum complex (590 sqm ), eateries, police, and Buddist bell, refer fig 46 and 47
Figure43- HiuenTsangMemorialHall(1.8km) Figure44- KundalpurDigambarJainTemple(1.6km)
Figure45- Sectiondrawnbyauthor Figure45- Sectiondrawnbyauthor
Figure47- ExistingBuddhistbellonsite
Figure48- Existingstructuresontheedgeoftheprimaryroadofthesite
2 2 2 Approaching road widths
I. Nalanda University - ROW- 24.6m - vehicular road width 6.7m - Primary road II Road to the museum - vehicular road width 3m - Secondary road
2 2 3 Flora and fauna on site
The site is completely covered in thick grass of long to medium length with a few trees present. Along with the below-mentioned trees -
I Terminalia elliptica, also known as Asna, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern and southeast Asia It's a member of the Indian almond family and is also known as black murdah or Indian laurel. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of 1 meter The fruit is oval-shaped and 3 centimeters long, with five wings
II. Madhuca longifolia is the scientific name for the mahua tree, also known as the butter tree, honey tree, or Indian butter tree The mahua tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a short trunk that's 80 centimeters in diameter. It has a rounded crown with many branches, and its leaves are oblong-shaped, thick, and firm.
2 2 4 Noise pollution
The major point of noise is the primary road.
2.2.5. Utilities Figure49- Treesatthesite
The drain follows the primary road
2 2 6 Availability of Minerals
In the Nalanda District, only minor Minerals like Sand and Bricks are available and no Major Minerals are available in the district [21]
2 2 7 Soil Composition
The Nalanda district is characterized by four types of soil viz. Clay loam, fine loam, loam, and course loam, are mainly derived from the alluvial deposits of the southern Ganga Plain [38]
➔ Thesiteshapeisrectangularwithalongersideontheeast-westaxis
➔ TheASIandthehorticulturedepartmentcurrentlyoverseesitemaintenance
➔ Someareasofthesitearewell-keptandtransformedintolawns, servingasanextensionofNalanda'stourism
➔ Theterrainofthesiteisconvertedintoflatterrain
➔ Twoclustersoftreesarepresentonthesite, andthereisalsoarowoftreesalongtheboundary, especiallyalong thesecondaryroad
➔ Thewaterbodyattheeastendofthesiteisseasonal
➔ Duringpeakseasons, thesidesoftheprimaryroadaccommodatestallsandshops;otherwise, theyserveas parkingspaces Referfig45
➔ Theprimaryroadisdesignedtoaccommodatepedestriansandparking, butitlackspropermaintenance
➔ Thedistrictisalsoknownforitsfertilealluvialsoil, called "Kewal", whichisusedforgrowingvariouscrops.
➔ Duetoitsnarrowwidth, vehicularcirculationisrestrictedonthesecondaryroad, typicallyallowingonly pedestrians.
➔ TheruinsofNalandacan'tbeseenfromthesite
➔ Thesiteiseasilyvisiblefromtheapproachroads
Figure45- Sectiondrawnbyauthor
2 3 Visual analysis
Figure50- Driedwaterbodyattheendofthesite, pointA Figure51- viewfrompointB
Figure52- Eateriesontheprimaryroad, pointC Figure53- Gatetothesecondaryroad, pointD
Nalanda, Bihar has a humid subtropical climate with extreme summers and winters. [36] Nalanda has a hot climate during summer and is cool in the winter It experiences moderate to heavy rainfall The average annual rainfall is about 120 cm. Summer falls between months from May to mid-July when temperatures soar to about 44°C The minimum temperature in Summer may be around 17°C Winter falls between November to February with minimum temperature as low as 4°C at times. Hot winds locally known as loo blows from the west direction are extremely harmful and may cause sunstroke the wind predominantly blows from the east, because of bengal. These winds are dry and humdi However, the climate otherwise is very pleasant and is ideal for tourism
Average temperatures and precipitation [40] Wind rose [40] Climate Analysis was done of the mass built up -
January - 4 pm July - 4 pm
January - 9 am July - 9 am
➔ Summersareextremelyhotatthesite, whilewintersarerelativelymoderate.
➔ Thewinddirectionistowardsthewaterbody.
➔ Winteristhefavoredseasonfortourismduetoitscomfortableconditions.
➔ Exceptforsummers, allotherseasonsaretolerable.
➔ Summerweatherstillattractsdomestictourism.
2 5 2 Plantation - at least 20% of the land shall be covered by plantation
2 5 3 Bye-laws [23]
I. Front setback = 9m
II Rear and other sides setback = 3 5m
III Height of building - (FARxWidth of road+Front setback) = 20m
IV. FAR = 1.75
V. Built-up area - (FARxplotsize) = 38500 sqm.
VI Exterior open space to be left out on all sides = 6m
VII Open spaces = min 6m
VIII. Parking - 30% of total built-up area = 11550 sqm.
2 5 4 FAR shall not include-
I Basements or cellars and space under a building constructed on stilts
II. Electric cabin or substation
III Projections and accessories buildings as specifically exempted from the open space/setback requirement
IV Staircase room and lift rooms above the topmost storey, architectural features, and chimneys and elevated tanks of dimensions as permissible under the NBC; the area of the lift shaft shall be taken only on one floor. [23]
2 6 SWOT analysis
2.6.1. Strength
I. Prime Location: The site's proximity to Nalanda guarantees high tourist visibility.
II Future Expansion: The allocated site allows for potential growth and development of the monastery
2 6 2 Weakness
I. Limited Distance: Being within 100 meters of existing Nalanda structures might restrict design freedom.
I Job Creation: The monastery can generate new employment opportunities in the local community
II. Public Sanctuary: The design can incorporate a public space for peaceful reflection and community interaction.
III Sustainable Agriculture: The fertile land near the site o ers potential for sustainable farming practices within the monastery
IV. Tourist Amenities: Existing hotels and food options near the site cater to tourist needs conveniently.
2.6.4. Threat
I Livelihood Impact: The project must consider the needs of local farmers potentially a ected by development
Chapter 4 | Design Brief
Based on inferences drawn from theoretical and site studies, the design brief of the project was conceptualized
Duringthemedievalperiod, thepeopleofNalandaembracedalifecenteredaroundmonasticismand academia. TheuniversityattractedalargepopulationcommittedtoBuddhism, withindividualsdedicating theirlivestothepursuitofknowledge, prayer, andmeditation. Asoneofthelargesteducationalinstitutionsof itstime, Nalanda'srichhistoryandheritagedeserverevival.
Toreigniteitsacademicspirit, NalandaUniversitywasestablishedinNovember2010, situatedabout10 kilometersfromtheancientruins. Thisinitiativeaimedtofosterregionalunderstandingandappreciationof culturalheritage. Today, theuniversityo ersprogramsinmanagement, Buddhism, ecology, and environmentalstudies, includingamaster'sprogram, contributingtotherevivalofacademiclife.
However, e ortstorevivetheprestigiousuniversityhaveoverlookedtherestorationofitsmonasticculture. In thepast, monksfromaroundtheworldjourneyedtoNalandaforexplorationandresearch, atraditionthat continuestoday Yet, contemporarymonkstendtolodgeinRajgirorBodhgaya, whichboastricherBuddhist legacies
There'sapressingneedtorevivethemonasteryculture, providingasanctuaryforwanderingmonksand laypersonsseekingrejuvenationoratemporarymonasticexperience Suchspacescouldo erordinationfor thoseinterestedinembracingthemonk'slifepermanently RevitalizingNalanda'smonasticheritagewould enrichbothspiritualseekersandthebroadercommunity
1 Different Traditions in Buddhism
The Buddha taught in di erent ways to di erent people at di erent times As a result, di erent traditions have formed The two main traditions are Theravada and Mahayana Both share the common basic teachings of Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. One tradition is not any better than the other; both seek for enlightenment, but their approach is di erent-- so is their location
Theravada Buddhism is common in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Miramar, and Laos
Mahayana Buddhism is found in Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia. It includes Japanese Zen, Chinese, Tibetan, Korean and Vietnamese Buddhism [41]
1 1 Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana focuses more on the newer teachings of the Buddha The goal is the Bodhisattva Path--not only seeking enlightenment for oneself, but the enlightenment of all beings. One who engages in this path is called a Bodhisattva The path includes more than meditation and personal discipline, but selfless service and working in the world for the benefit of others
Mahayana Buddhists believe that there have been many Buddhas in the past and that more will appear in the future According to the Buddha’s teachings, all beings have the Buddha nature and can become Buddhas Anyone can embark on the Bodhisattva Path of compassion and reach the state of Buddhahood in this very life monks and nuns, as well as lay Buddhists.
Mahayana teachings are written in Sanskrit and called sutras. The most well-known sutras are the Diamond Sutra, the Flower Garland Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra [41]
1.1.1. Festivals in Mahayana buddhism
Below mentioned table organizes the information of the major events, activities performed by monks, spaces required for the activities, and brief descriptions of each event [41] [42]
Festivals About the events
Buddha Day (Vesak or Buddha Purnima)
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Enlightenment Day (Guan Yin Enlightenment Day)
Celebrates birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha
Commemorates the enlightenment of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Amitabha Buddha's Birthday (Pure Land Festival) Honors Amitabha Buddha and Pure Land practices
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara's Birthday (Guan Yin Birthday)
Observes the birth of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Activity Performed by Monks
Leading ceremonies, o ering prayers, chanting of sutras
Conducting ceremonies, reciting prayers invoking compassion
Leading chanting sessions, delivering teachings on Pure Land practices
Leading rituals, o ering blessings, teaching about Avalokitesvara's virtues
Spaces Required for Monks to Perform Activity
Shrine Room (Gompa), Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall), Meditation Hall
Shrine Room (Gompa), Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Shrine Room (Gompa), Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Shrine Room (Gompa), Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Dharma Day (Asalha Puja)
Ullambana Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival)
Marks the first teaching of Gautama Buddha
Focuses on honoring ancestors and relieving su ering beings
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu or Bodhi Day)
Buddha's Descent from Tushita Heaven (Lhabab Duchen)
Celebrates the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha
Commemorates Gautama Buddha's descent from Tushita Heaven
Giving Dharma talks, conducting meditation sessions, leading discussions
Performing rituals to transfer merits to departed souls, o ering prayers
Leading intensive meditation retreats (sesshin), conducting all-night vigils, giving Dharma talks
Leading prayers, recitations, emphasizing Buddha's compassion and wisdom
Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall), Meditation Hall
Shrine Room (Gompa), Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Meditation Hall, Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Lotus Lantern Festival
1 1 2 0Daily schedule of Monks
Marks the end of the rainy season retreat, symbolizing the illumination and spreading of the Buddha's teachings.
Lantern processions, light o erings, cultural performances
Shrine Room (Gompa), Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Courtyards, ceremonial grounds
Below mentioned table organizes the daily activity of monks according to the time stamps and spaces required to perform the activities [43] [44] [45]
Time Activity
4:00 AM Morning Prayer and Chanting
Spaces Required for monks to Perform Activity
Shrine Room (Gompa), Meditation Hall
6:00 AM Morning Walk Courtyard, Garden, Walking Meditation Path
7:00 AM Preparation for the Day
8:00 AM Breakfast (1st Meal)
9:00 AM Morning Meeting
10:00 AM Chores (Cleaning, Cooking, Washing, etc.)
1:00 PM Lunch (2nd Meal)
Living Quarters, Meditation Hall, Shrine Room
Dining Hall (Sangha Hall), Kitchen
Meeting Hall, Dharma Hall (Dhamma Hall)
Living Quarters, Kitchen, Courtyard
Dining Hall (Sangha Hall), Kitchen
3:00 PM Personal Time (Reading, Walking, Meditating) Personal Quarters, Meditation Hall
7:00 PM Evening Prayer and Chanting
9:00 PM Dinner (3rd Meal)
10:00 PM Bedtime
Shrine Room (Gompa), Meditation Hall
Dining Hall (Sangha Hall), Kitchen
Personal Quarters, Sleeping Area
Buddhist Terminology
Common Names
DhammaHall PrayerHall
ZenHall MeditationHall
Gompa ShrineRoom
SutraHall ScriptureHall
SanghaHall
CommunityDiningHall
TeachingHall LectureHall
MonasticCells LivingQuarters
KinhinPath
ZenGarden
BodhiGroveandMultipurpose
WalkingMeditationPath
CourtyardorGarden
BodhiTreeandCeremonialgrounds
ThistablepresentstheBuddhistnamescommonlyusedforspecificarchitecturalspacesalongsidetheir equivalenttermsinmoregenerallanguage.
2. Construction material
Considering the climate, culture, community, and context. The suggested construction material includes rammed earth, mud earth and Bamboo Based on the need and aim of the project the residence and retreat for Buddhist monastics and lay practitioners is proposed
2 1 Rammed earth - Forwall
Rammed earth is both a building material and a building process A material process, wherein the process itself directly creates the material, on-site and by hand. This process involves a mixture of raw soil, moisture, and additives, tamped into temporary formwork to an extremely hard-packed state Through this process, free-standing, solid masonry walls are created The walls are built in shallow layers called lifts, the loose material for each lift being compacted to roughly 50 percent of its volume within the formwork. The ramming process is repeated until a wall has reached the desired height. The formwork can be removed immediately, revealing the monolithic wall. Finished against the inside face of the formwork, the material is beautiful in its natural state Rammed earth typically needs no cladding, finishes, plasters, or paints. The material is a portrait of its process, where the face of a rammed earth wall communicates the labor of each lift [24] Rammed earth walls are constructed by ramming a mixture of selected aggregates, including gravel, sand, silt, and a small amount of clay, into place between flat panels called formwork Traditional technology repeatedly rammed the end of a wooden pole into the earth mixture to compress it. [26] Figure55- Nk’MipDesertCulturalCentre[25]
2 1 1 Steps to make rammed earth
Author[24]
Construction
The clay/sand ratio has the greatest contributing e ect on how well an earth wall will perform Traditionally, for raw rammed earth, that ratio has been established as 30% clay and 70% sand.
When using cement as a stabilizer, clay content can be reduced, in some cases and with high stabilization rates, clay (and other fines) can be as low as 8% to 10%, depending on numerous factors (uniformity of gradation, plasticity, particle shape, and parent rock)
Unlike earlier times, when the building material was nearly always harvested on or near the construction site, today we have access to a wide range of importable mineral soils and admixtures. Formulating a blend of soils capable of achieving optimum structural performance is our objective. [27]
2 1 3 Formwork
Formwork in rammed-earth construction is used as a temporary support during soil compaction. Formwork can range from simple to complicated systems and plywood or steel ones can be used. Like concrete formwork it is required to have su cient strength, sti ness, and stability to resist pressures it is subjected to during assembly, pouring the soil mix, and dismantling However, unlike concrete, rammed earth formwork can be removed after compaction, enabling much faster re-use and e cient organization of formwork is essential to e cient rammed earth construction [29]
Illustrationofconstructionofwall
2 1 4 Rammed Earth technical details
2.1.4.1. Wall thickness
The standard thickness of rammed earth walls is generally 300mm In instances where niches and recesses are required for fireplaces, heater boxes, etc walls can be constructed to alternative thickness as required for the project. The minimum structural thickness for a load-bearing earth wall is 250mm. And, for non-load bearing walls, it is 200mm Below is a table detailing the minimum thickness and insulation - R ratings for rammed earth,
Figure55-
Figure56-
[28] Figure56- Illustrationofformwork [29]
structural and non-structural These are minimums to achieve R ratings, the walls can be built thicker depending on wall heights and individual project specifications [34]
Figure57- Wallthickness [34]
2 1 4 2 Foundation
Figure58- NominalConcreteFootingDetail [34]
Figure59- Footingdetailwithconcretefordrainage [30]
The walls are anchored with re-bar, the same as a concrete wall sitting on top of a footing. [31] To account for possible water damage, rammed earth walls should be sheltered by long overhanging eaves and lifted on solid raised footings at least 225 mm above ground level [32] The foundation of rammed-earth constructions can be 12 inches above the ground and 24 inches below the ground. You can do with a lesser deep base if you live in a warm climate The foundation sections, reinforcing rods, building planks, baling wires, etc., are all used to form the correct foundation of rammed earth [33] The foundation design for rammed-earth buildings is very similar to that for low-rise buildings Concrete strip footing is the most common type of footing. The size of the footings depends on the type of the supported structure and the soil-bearing capacity underneath the foundation It is important that the foundation is of su cient depth to avoid frost underneath and the footings should be well protected from water infiltration. The ground immediately adjacent to the base of a rammed earth wall should be well drained. Also extended eaves and raised footings protect walls from rainfall. Generally, the installation of surface and underwater drains and damp-proof courses are considered essentials Bitumen sheets are also used for water insulation [29]
2.1.4.3. Electrical and Plumbing
Electrical conduits and wall boxes are rammed into the wall at locations where power points and light switches are required Conduits are also placed into the wall to allow water plumbing pipes to be inserted where required Where an area is to be tiled over or hidden by joinery, plumbing pipes, and electrical conduits can be chased into the wall [34]
Arched and flat openings can be made by using block-out forms or using structural lintels inserted inside the wall formwork are an e ective means of providing openings over modest spans up to 1 5 m Lintels can be formed from wood, concrete, steel (T or angle section), and stone. Lintels require adequate bedding length to avoid bearing problems and preferred spans not to exceed 3 M [29]
2 1 4 5 Roof Tie-Down System
In the top 600mm of the wall metal rods are inserted during compacting to provide a tie-down system for a timber top plate, this is for securing the roofing structure [34] Figure60- Rooftie-downsystem[34]
2.1.4.6. Corner Chamfer Details
The standard chamfer is 45 degree/50mm at: - Wall ends - Window openings - Door openings - Window sills [34]
3. Case study
3.1. For construction material and techniques -
3 1 1 Anandaloy Center / Studio Anna Heringer
Wall - mud walls (cob technique)
Foundation - fired brick foundation
Roof - metal sheet roof (upper) straw roof (lower)
Structural members - bamboo (80mm dia)
Figure61 - viewofbuilding[46]
Figure62 - Explodedsection [47]
Figure63 - Drawings [47]
Figure64 - viewofgroundfloorcorridor[46] Figure65 - viewoffirstfloorcorridor[46]
- rampmadeofmudearthleadingtofirstfloor [46] Figure67 - cobwalltechnique[46]
3 1 2 Handmade school in Bangladesh | Anna Heringer
Architecture
Wall - load-bearing cob walling (wet earth technique, straw-earth mixture)
Foundation - Brick masonry with damp proof course
Roof - Flat roof, corrugated iron roofing
Structural members - Framework of thick bamboo members
Figure74 - viewofbuilding[50]
3.1.3. Anandaloy Center / Studio Anna Heringer
3.2. For design and area programme3 2 1 Jetavan Spiritual Center / Sameep Padora & Associates
Figure68 - viewofJetavanspiritualcenter [48]
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 With the mandate of not harming a single tree on site, the sizable program was split up into 6 buildings
Figure66
each situated in gaps between the heavy planting Through the design process, two courtyards emerged as links suturing these buildings into a common identity Further by inverting the roof profile with a central valley in the middle and rising edges, the interior spaces were visually connected with the foliage outside. The interior spaces hence are also a function of the outside setting, with a lightness that belies the heavy programs on site The separation of the roof from the walls while providing much-needed cross ventilation also scales the building towards the courtyard.
Figure69- Section[48]
Figure70- Plan[48] 3 2 2 Vajrasana Buddhist Retreat / Walters & Cohen Architects
Figure71 - viewofVajrasanaBuddhistRetreat[49]
The past and the present are captured in the collection of buildings on the site, with Victorian tiles and parquet flooring unearthed in the original farmhouse, and simple materials such as plywood and painted blockwork used by the architects to create bedroom “pods" and communal living and dining areas arranged around a community (Sangha) courtyard The bedrooms are furnished with simple timber bed frames and plywood ceilings; the pitched roofs provide a sense of space and light. Crisply detailed walkways contain the Sangha courtyard, from which guests catch a glimpse of the tranquil courtyards through perforated brick walls that separate the communal from the ceremonial
Figure72 -plan[49]
Figure73 - section[49]
Chapter 6 | Design approach and concept
The design is approached contextually through, materials, area progarmmes, background study, and user group.
3. Halls and court
5 Library, dormitories and communal dining
7. Landscape opportunities
9 Physical model views
