Spiritual practice and its influence in architecture : the design of a meditation centre for Chatsworth.
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Date
2011
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Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it investigated the issues inferred by
the topic, as how spirituality influences architecture, and secondly, through a critical
analysis of a literature review with suitable precedents and case studies, it has set
guidelines for the design a meditation centre for spiritual practices in Durban. The
importance of such a centre was established by analyzing the architectural qualities that
contribute in making a spiritual environment as stated in the hypothesis. Problems
regarding the topic were identified as being the lack of architectural character and
identity of spirituality. A sense of segregation was felt at various levels in socio-cultural
groups through religion and race. Architecture is seen to be a medium to establish a
dialogue among these groups by adhering to the need of self-education in terms of
spiritual knowledge and practice. The key questions posed were the key elements to the
secondary research that included an in-depth literature review based on appropriate
architectural theories and concepts leading to a list of architectural design
considerations. The theory of phenomenology was addressed by concentrating on the
qualities that would evoke and invoke the essence of spirituality in an environment. The
study attempts to understand the functional, physical and experiential qualities that
contribute in making the spirit of a place. The connection between social and cultural
groups was analysed under the theory of critical regionalism that also discussed the
presence of nature, apart from culture, in creating an identity. The holistic nature of
place and sacred architecture has been an essential area of research in an aim to
discovering the metaphysical, symbolic and tactile qualities that enforce the pragmatic
functional requirements of the centre. The need for an understanding of the science of
meditation and self-education was beneficial in identifying the spatial, functional and
spiritual requirements of the place. Symbolism, geometry, form and order informed the
desired qualities that are driven by the cosmological science of Vastu Shastra in fuelling
the space with positive energy. The relationship between man and his environment was
further studied in terms of natural and sensory experiential qualities that would form a
serene atmosphere. Precedent studies were carried out in different continents to extract
similar aspects among various spiritual institutions. Primary research consisted of case
studies where buildings were analyzed on specific criteria. Interviews were carried out
with experienced members of the institutions for a better understanding of the spiritual
practices conducted and the environment. The outcomes of these interviews were
critically and theoretically analyzed. The data collected through interviews and
empirical studies revealed some pragmatic requirements of a spiritual environment. The
study concludes that man cannot be separated from his environment - he is part and
parcel of it. The study concluded that architecture is instrumental in binding man with
nature whilst the understanding of the inner self and his senses enables him to become
aware of his surroundings. The spirit within connects him with the spirit of the place
established when suitable architectural design principles are applied. A holistic
environment is then created and is suitable for spiritual practice. Such a place evokes a
sense of spirituality.
Description
Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.
Keywords
Religious architecture--KwaZulu-Natal--Durban--Designs and plans., Spirituality in architecture--KwaZulu-Natal--Durban., Meditation--KwaZulu-Natal--Durban., Theses--Architecture.