BLACK RESIDENCECONVENTION CENTER....................04 DRYDEN TERRACE LLC....................05

07 4 Frames

Exploring form as embodiment of the spirit

Spring 2013

The project “4 Frames” is an attempt to sculpt a form that embodies the ethos of a contemporary meditation center. Having the independence to select an expression for which the meditation center should stand, I chose a meditation center for people who are spiritual, but not religious. The expression of being spiritual is emphasised upon by celebrating the spirit as the fifth element existing in and around the four elements of nature, air, fire, water and earth.

Spirituality knows no religion, no boundaries and no rules. A person meditates in an attempt to seek freedom. How can freedom be organized and orthodox? Situated in the lap of the Himalayas at Sikkim, Gangtok, the site is blessed with natural beauty all around my choice of expression is a compliment to nature and focused on realising the true purpose of meditation; to realise the existance of oneself as a part of the nature all around, as a free spirit one is.

The site planning is inspired from the concept of a portal literally translating into one;s gradual submergence into the subconscious during meditation. The buildings frame the visual gradient vertically and horizontally in four directions from any point on the site. Upon entering the site, the viewer is captivated by the continuous and expansive views along the slope. The meditation halls are aligned with the entrance direction, located at the end of the path, metaphorically at the end of one’s journey through the portal.

Piece of a puzzle, What’s the missing part?

Sculpting the forms required an analysis of its ipact on the steep terrain. The outcome was an alamgam of balanced building masses, which related to the ground positively ( above ground), negatively (below ground) and neutrally (on the ground). The concept revolves around a symmetry of four (the four elements of nature), with the spirit or the meditator metaphorically completing the ideally balanced ensemble of five elements of nature

TECTONICS CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES

Constructing Liminal Spaces

An attempt has been made to provide flexibility to one’s choice of place, as to where he or she would like to meditate. In order to explout the natural views during sunrise and sunset, the meditation halls have been aligned accordingly. Provision for both indoor and outdoor meditation experiences makes way for rock garden, viewing decks and other liminal spaces.