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Memory of a Light - Surya Mandir (Sun Temple)

This project is a competition entry and was selected among the top 10 entries.

The competition brief was to design an experience centre at an eco-resort. The experience centre was called the "Surya Mandir" (Sun Temple) and the design entries had to highlight the power/importance of sun through their designs.

CONCEPTION:

Sun is not a mere star, one that appears in magical imaginations and dreamers' vision or a sparkle in the sky. Sun has been described as the ultimate source of power throughout centuries, in many ways the Sun has been present since the birth of our planet. It has been nurturing and guiding it, giving us a path to follow.

It is this undying, infinite spirit of the sun that we have tried to reflect.

Only in the darkness can one experience the authority of Surya. The temple is conceived keeping this theme in mind.

Status: Competition Entry
Location: Mumbai, IN

6 processional chambers are constructed using bamboo. The user enters from chamber 1, and as they travel inwards the light inside the structures is reduced slowly.

Chambers 1 and 2 : The bamboo walls are constructed with spacing between them which will allow ample of light to enter the chambers.

Chamber 3 and 4: The bamboo walls are constructed tighter than previous chambers. Less light is allowed to enter the chambers only through openings at the top.

Chambers 5 and 6: The innermost chambers where no light is allowed in, except for a small skylight in the last chamber. This ray of light reflects on the water pond inside the chamber and leads the person out of the pavillion back into the sunlit world.