1.

Introduction

The Baha'i Faith is a monotheistic religion which emphasizes the spiritual unity of all
humankind.Three core principles establish a basis for Bah' teachings and doctrine: the unity of
God, that there is only one God who is the source of all creation; the unity of religion, that all
major religions have the same spiritual source and come from the same God; and the unity of
humanity, that all humans have been created equal, coupled with the unity in diversity, that
diversity of race and culture are seen as worthy of appreciation and acceptance.
Unity temple will be the practical manifestation of this thought evolved through study of different
religions and through extensive use of spiritual science.

2. Problem statement

Unity temple will be basically a place to meditate I.e to connect with self consciousness.
Meditation is the awareness of the living moment. In that awareness neither past nor future is
possible. The meditative experience seeks to bring a stillness of the mind even if the body is in
action. This thesis deals with spirituality and meditation as a concept, not as an act. It is an
experiment to test the contribution of physical spaces to the inner journey of a being.

The precinct will include areas like Visitor center, Exhibition area, Yoga hall, workshop centers
which will compliment the temple structure. Spaces will be designed such that the whole precinct
will be an place of tranquility and peace.

3. Aim

A temple of light expressing a faith of inclusion will be poised to become an architectural landmark
in India. Set within the foothills of Krishna valley just beyond the metropolis of Pune in the serene
view of Panchgani, the temple will act as an invitation for spiritual contemplation and architectural
pilgrimage.

4. Objective

To study various forms of religion and spiritual energy associated with forms and its practical
implementation in design project.
To study and implement the fundamental design elements (like light, ventilation, acoustics
and thermal comfort) that positively impact building environment.
To study scared geometry and its importance in architecture.
To experiment with structural dynamics of structure and create something which is not only a
structure but a monument.
5. Scope and limitations

The project shall deal with the areas like meditation center , yoga area, visitor center ,
exhibition center etc. The religion associated with this is just for the sake of practicality of
project and does not suppress or supports any religion or creed.
The main aim of thesis will be to design The unity temple and prominent areas, other
ancillary facilities like cafeteria, residential area, etc. shall be provided but focus shall remain
on temple design.
The project shall also stress upon the Landscape design which will include gardens,
pedestrian plazas , walkways etc as a part of project.

6. Symbolism in architecture and Sacred Geometry

Humans, owing to their communicating nature, decipher and deduct meaning from all that they
do and see or experience in their everyday life. As people express their spatial needs in physical
settings, they also communicate spatially for it is a truism that architecture communicates by
directing the knowledge and ideas that works behind its genesis.The mental images created in the
receptors; as in any other form of communication, enables them to derive meaning for them.

Sacred symbols are the symbols which are able to convey and merge intangible and supernatural
rays of truth into single graphic images that take us to a point of knowing without using our
cognitive skills. It can transform consciousness, behaviors, understanding, and well being.

7. Case study

Matri Mandir, Auroville Pondicherry

Lotus temple, Delhi
Bahai temple, Chile
Isha yoga center, Coimbatore
Cathedral of Brasilia, Brazil