Auroville
Initial Object Exploration Assignment
Topic: The Auroville Mantra Mandir – Matrimandir
The Matrimandir located in Auroville, (Tamil Nadu, India), is a structure of spiritual importance for practitioners of Integral yoga. Often referred to as ‘The soul of the city’, the Matrimandir is a structure primarily used for meditation. The form is made up of a golden flattened sphere that is surrounded by structures resembling petals. In these petals, there are 12 chambers that are used for meditation. The sphere itself is completely white on the inside and houses a crystal-glass globe that illuminates due to the electronically guided rays of the Sun. The minimalistic architecture along with the absence of religious forms echoes the function of this place of mediation.
The pristine architecture and idea of the community of Auroville, and their way of living and beliefs really intrigue me as an artist. The usages of space, and the reflection of the community’s structure in the structures found within the city, in my opinion, have a deep relation. The Matrimandir, being such an integral part of the Auroville community, captures the traits and morals of the community both literally and symbolically. I would like to explore the way in which design can respond and reflect the values and beliefs of the society it is created for. Furthermore I would like to explore the idea on how community affects design. How design manipulates itself to appeal to one segment of a community differently from another segment. To concise, I would like to explore the relationship between design and community.
Topic: The Auroville Mantra Mandir – Matrimandir
The Matrimandir located in Auroville, (Tamil Nadu, India), is a structure of spiritual importance for practitioners of Integral yoga. Often referred to as ‘The soul of the city’, the Matrimandir is a structure primarily used for meditation. The form is made up of a golden flattened sphere that is surrounded by structures resembling petals. In these petals, there are 12 chambers that are used for meditation. The sphere itself is completely white on the inside and houses a crystal-glass globe that illuminates due to the electronically guided rays of the Sun. The minimalistic architecture along with the absence of religious forms echoes the function of this place of mediation.
The pristine architecture and idea of the community of Auroville, and their way of living and beliefs really intrigue me as an artist. The usages of space, and the reflection of the community’s structure in the structures found within the city, in my opinion, have a deep relation. The Matrimandir, being such an integral part of the Auroville community, captures the traits and morals of the community both literally and symbolically. I would like to explore the way in which design can respond and reflect the values and beliefs of the society it is created for. Furthermore I would like to explore the idea on how community affects design. How design manipulates itself to appeal to one segment of a community differently from another segment. To concise, I would like to explore the relationship between design and community.