dissertation/data/ISSUU%20PDF%20Downlo ader.pdf

Fig 2.1: understanding the relationship of the topic

Source: dissertation/data/ISSUU%20PDF%20Downloader.pdf

“THE ART OF SPIRITUAL. LIVING”- Throughout the ages, the mystics, saints, sages, and yogis have all given us the same answer: to develop a personal relationship with God — one that connects us with Spirit in our everyday lives. Spiritual living is a practical approach to developing that relationship. Considering the ancient times when people routine themselves according to the natural phenomenon i.e. “early to bed-early to rise” made humans healthy, wealthy and wise. Going back in time people were more concerned about their health rather than any other external factor of living. The only difference that has emerged now is due to the growth of humans .People now are more focused on the tangibles than on the intangibles i.e. inclined more towards technology than any other natural phenomenon.

For the next generation, the ancient ideologies have become mundane that has limited their growth in terms of health and natural being There has been a major shill in the standard of living in terms of health and well-being that people have forgotten to analyze themselves .The role of architecture now comes into picture as, architecture gives life to such space .Spirituality can be found anywhere and everywhere but there has been a major ignorance in the society’ that they lack in understanding this little difference for which there is a need to establish separate spaces for people to actually find peace and inner-contentment. Thus, the idea of spiritual architecture comes into existence

2.3: PHENOMENOLOGY OF DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE

2.3.1: Spiritual practices

Healing energies are one of the types where healers can channel the healing energies into a patient and effect positive results. Spiritual healing is a positive flow of energies which can be channelized through the art of healing. Healing has various processes which include Reiki, Yoga, Meditation and these benefits the human body. Spirituality is believed to be the ultimate solution to all problems. The nature of pure spirituality has been distorted and therefore people have negative attitudes at those who are supposedly spiritual. Hence, spiritual practice aims at making the individual realize and experience that he lives eternally as a free spirit.

Our body has some specific centers called the “Energy Centers” These energy centers are the trigger points that draw the energy and distribute all over in other parts. The seven fundamental chakras are known as

First chakra Muladhara, which is located at the perineum, the space between the anal outlet and the genital organ; Second chakra Swadhisihana, which is just above the genital organ; Third chakra Manipuraka, which is just below the navel; Fourth chakra Anahata, which is just beneath where the rib cage meets; Fifth chakra Vishuddha, which is at the pit of the throat

Sixth chakra Ajna, which is between the eyebrows and; Seventh chakra Sahasraru, also known as brahmarandra, which is at the top of the head, where when a child is born, there is a soft spot.

Fig 2.2: The seven energy centers

2.3.2: Spirituality and architecture

Spirituality is a sense of achieving inner contentment through various processes like meditation, religious beliefs, yoga, etc. The process of cleansing the mind from all impressions, wrong education and habits is called the spiritual practice. With these characteristics in mind it is possible to develop an idea of what a “spiritual experience” might look like for someone who engages themselves with their surroundings. Spirituality and architecture arc interlinked where different layers lead to the creation of a holistic environment. The tactile and sensory nature of architecture enables man to integrate with the built environment physically, psychologically and visually. These qualities of architecture can be expressed as space that evokes and invokes spiritual responses in people. These qualities can therefore be used to establish a spiritual place.

2.3.3: Holistic environment

Holistic environment is primarily associated with treating the whole person through the built environment i.e. the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Therefore, balance and harmony are vital and need to be restored in the body. In architecture, one can witness this through the various buildings but one of the profound designs is the holiday villa in Karuizawa, Japan, could well owe something to Frank L.loyd Wright’s Falling water both buildings fit perfectly into their respective natural surroundings, while also echoing nature in their design As its name suggests, the villa, which is set in woodland, is reminiscent of a shell. Being in sync with nature isn't about yielding to nature - it's about coexistence. The

existence of the structure depends on

Fig 2.3: Shell Residence, Japan Source: https://www.archdaily.com/11602/shell-artechnic-architects

its power to endure nature. By isolating living space from the wilderness, and upgrading its quality as a shelter, the house will be protected from nature and will provide a comfortable environment.

East – West Section

Fig 2.4: Shell Residence 3D Source: https://www.dezeen.com/2009/01/04/shell-by-artechnic-architects/

2.3.4: Serene Qualities of spiritual architecture

Through various readings and references we can now state that spirituality can be justified through the source of architecture. Architecture has evolved through time and spirituality is one term which has been derived through the principles of architecture it is through time that various architects and designers have started believing in designing spaces which are not limited to its façade but also has a meaning behind it.