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Realizing Sada Shiva Dham |
The curved half circle remained the shape of the final building except in a mirrored fashion and the other half circle made up in the landscape of some elements such as the two Dhuni's, ceremonial fire places.
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| The first sketch for
the new ashram was in the shape of a snake and designed as a land temple.
The snake is one of the attributes of the god Shiva who carries one
around his neck. To this God the House is dedicated: House of the Eternal
God Shiva. The curved half circle remained the shape of the final building except in a mirrored fashion and the other half circle made up in the landscape of some elements such as the two Dhuni's, ceremonial fire places. |
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| In the making of the design the measurement and proportion system played an important part in the development of the spatial concept for the project. Through a simple 30, 60, 90° triangle all basic measurements can be derived from this figure and are therefore harmoniously related in proportions. Basic module is the room width of 260 cm in a ratio of 1 : v3 to its length being 450 cm. Even the roofline follows this 30 degree angle which creates a 3-dimensional harmonious space effect. | ||||
| This spatial structure
manifest itself first in the foundation of the building as it is laid out
on the site. The repeat of same or related measurements becomes visible
and the size and places of rooms and hallways. The central axis of the building is oriented East - West; the central building section contains the main entrance and temple hall. |
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View in South direction of the foundation; |
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Sada Shiva Dham as seen from the South-West street side. | |||
In the distance passes the Beekbergerweg going into Loenen at the Veluwe. The ashram is beautifully located against the background of the forest wall. In front of the building is an open space with a meadow. The building unfolds from the right, South side to the North with far left the Dhuni or fire place. |
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| Design drawing of the South-West elevation. | ||||
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The absis of the temple
hall points West so the sculpture group that is located there faces East.
This way the whole building with in the middle the main entrance is
directed toward the rising sun. The Eastern direction can be symbolically associated
with the eagle and in the layout of the plan an flying eagles can be read. |
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Sada Shiva Dham follows in many ways the views of Vastu Shastra, the Vedic system of sacred architecture. For instance openness and orientation to the East are considered favorable in as much as placing all elements in orientation to the 4 directions of the earth. Also favorable according to this system of thought is the fact that the roads are located to the North and East and the existence of an inside courtyard. Every door or window is supposed to have a corresponding counterpart on the other side of the building, not only for cross ventilation, but also for reasons of energy flow. For what information we have about Vastu Shastra the North East seems to be a good place for meditation. In the ashram there is a multi purpose space located for courses etc. Well located in the South East is the kitchen in a practical sense as being nearest to the entrance of the premises, but also because that direction is dedicated to god of fire Agni. |
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Vastu Shastra is
considered a Vedic system of architectural science. It is a form of
applied astrology comparable to the Chinese Feng Shui. Also the way a
building is measured and proportioned is considered of great importance by
this science. The "Column of the North" (as seen in the North elevation to the left) is a universal symbol and rich in meaning. This bearer of the nook is called the "Kingpost" and symbolizes the earth axis. In the symbolism of this building it may be regarded as the tail of the snake figure. As meaningful as this one post is the double column of the canopy on either side of the main entrance. For the moment simple posts fulfill the monumental task of facing east, standing in front of the temple and being crowned by the half circular window in the East facade of the hall. The half circular window of the temple opens to the rising sun. |
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