The Hindu population of the Antelope Valley region near Los Angeles consists of roughly a dozen immigrant groups vibrantly practicing the rituals of their faith. For years, congregants have been worshipping out of temporarily rented reception areas acquired on a weekend basis, a situation inadequate for the physical needs of the community and the sanctity of their worship. Accordingly, a visionary cardiologist approached CSA Partners Ltd. to create a permanent sanctuary, with a core group of community leaders in the area working to transform the complex into a reality.

The design sought to transcend a singular classical architectural style; however, CSA Partners Ltd. inserted a modernist glass cube into the space to create a year-round structure that is both transparent and weatherproof. The transparency of the ‘Maha-Mandapa’ thereby inspires the devotee to pass through each portal in cognition of a journey from the profane to the sacred, with the structure of the Temple itself elevated on a plinth. An interior courtyard was designed that can—depending on future expansion—be enclosed by a wall concealing office space on one side, with additional allocation of space for the future expansion of minor templums. The fourth visual wall of the interior courtyard is to be enclosed by landscaped contours. The complex is designed to allow for over 35,000 sf of future expansion.

Cyrus Subawalla – Principal Designer

Sangwan Seo-Associate Designer

Mary O’Toole – Contract Documents Team

Building type: Religious – Temple

Sustainability/LEED: Title 24 Certified

Location: Lancaster California

Site Area: 91,930 sf

Project Area: 18,237 sf Phase 1 (Includes walkways), 5,500 sf (Building Area-Phase 1)

Client: Hindu Temple of Antelope Valley

Completion Year: Substantial Comp. Oct 2014

Construction Cost: $2.74 Million

Recognition:

Faith & Form Magazine 2011

Antelope Valley Press

India West Newspaper

Recognition: Dezeen Architecture & Magazine 2025

CSA Partners includes glass dome at Hindu temple in California desert

Recognition: Architectural Digest France 2025

Dans le désert californien, un temple hindou se dote d’un dôme de verre | AD Magazine

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