Shanti Sadan – A Center Standing Out Of Pervasive Religious Architecture Image | Between Spaces
Nature begets Spirituality and so most religious centers are ensconced amidst nature. Shanti Sadan is a place for worship and service. The spatial planning of this facility, the materials used in construction, and the simple form that defines this building are all a reflection of the austere life of the nuns of this community.
Visit: Between Spaces
The site had a two-storied structure, adjacent to an existing hospice, which had become weak due to disrepair and age and couldn’t accommodate the current and future needs of the congregation. Hence the Sisters of St. Ann, Luzern in Mysore invited us to design a new facility that could accommodate a few bedrooms, a dormitory, a classroom, a dining, and kitchen facility, an office, and a chapel.
The entire southern façade has an apron of intricate lacing of bricks. The brick screen shields the habitable spaces from the southern sun and gives a very sublime visual experience on arrival. The brick screen wraps around the chapel defining the passage leading to the sacristy which would enable the priests to get ready before entering the chapel. The entire construction is load-bearing, which helped in a significant saving on the cost of concrete and steel.
The overall aesthetics of the building drew its inspiration from Buddhist caves at Ajanta with vaulted ceilings, the apsidal planning of Durga temple at Aihole, Buddhist caves at Ajanta, and the typical Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Church plan. The two-storied linear mass on the northern side has an RCC vault roof finished in China mosaic to reflect the summer heat. This not only creates a more heightened spatial experience akin to the ones we get in all religious buildings but also keeps the interior cool by pushing the ceiling higher and accommodates the bunker beds in the dormitory.
Spatially, the double storied linear mass in the rear is connected to the single-story programs in the foreground through two small courtyards. These courtyards bring in the pause points in this small building and allow good cross ventilation.
The linearity of the vaulted roof is punctuated by the verticality of two towers – a small one over the Chapel, more symbolic in nature, and another in front of the vaulted roof which in fact is an overhead water tank. The second tower was deliberately given a certain mass to give it the significance of a typical church spire.
Programmatically, the building has two important parts– the accommodation facility and the Chapel. The dormitory, the bedrooms, a classroom, an office, the dining and the kitchen are all clubbed together in a linear arrangement over two floors, whereas the chapel has been detached from the main block and pulled out into the greenery around. Metaphorically, this arrangement helped us in detaching oneself from the worldly affairs while in the place of worship.
Our approach to this project was to understand the semiotics associated with religious architecture and separate it from the pervasive image of what architectural forms and shapes define a specific religion.
Fact File:
Designed by: Between Spaces
Project: Shanti Sadan
Project Type: Institutional
Year of Completion: 2021
Area: 8180.60 sq.ft.
Location: Mysore
Project Cost approx.: 1.6 Crore Rupees
Principal Architect: Pramod Jaiswal , Divya Ethirajan
Design Team: Cariappa, Pooja Nagraj, Pramod Jaiswal & Divya E
Photography: Shamanth J Patil
Website: https://betweenspaces.co.in/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betweenspacesarchitects
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenspaces.architects/
In the burgeoning area of Vadodara, this house, Namasya, is nestled amongst the upcoming high-rise residential buildings enclosed with the beautifully crafted landscape around it. As the sun rises on the horizon, the day of Nehulji (client) begins with the Munias and parakeets chirping, awaiting their breakfast. During his daily morning routine, he shares the […]
How often are irregularly shaped plots dismissed when buying land? In many towns, the land is subdivided into perfect rectangles for construction, leaving plots with unconventional shapes—sharp angles and awkward dimensions—undesirable and in low demand. However, the architecture studio Tropical Tones, has set an example by tackling this challenge. This Tropical Modern residence house design […]
Given the compact footprint of the residence, designed on a 140 sq. m. plot, the idea behind this simple home interior design was to open each space into an outdoor verandah or balcony to make the space look spacious and have an ample amount of sunlight, but still want to maintain the privacy in each […]
This exquisite villa is located amidst lush greenery in Bangalore. This house design offers a perfect blend of modern architectural design and traditional South Indian aesthetics. Thoughtfully crafted to reflect the cultural heritage of its residents, the villa features sleek contemporary lines complemented by classic South Indian furniture and decor. South Indian House Design Offers […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
SASWATHA, the residential architecture project by GVQ Design Studio, is located in Thrissur, Kerala. This thoughtfully designed home caters to a joint family consisting of two brothers, their families, and their parents. Spanning approximately 2,700 sq. ft on a 15-cent plot, the residential architecture is meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]
Indie Tales, a 2 story house design in Pondicherry stays true to its identity stands apart with its unparalleled charm amidst a narrow conservative neighborhood. This abode embraces a quiet reflection of modern lifestyle and traditional nuances within a limited budget for an intimate family of 5 across 3 generations. The residence evolves as an […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]