Context
The congregation had a long-standing need for a separate social hall for marriage ceremonies and food and drink. This hall was initially planned as part of Phase 1, but funds were not available for its construction. A renewed need has now given this new impetus.
Concept
In the design of the original temple, there was a rock outcrop mound that metaphorically completed the temple. The meditation center is designed to be a part of this mound. The structure is partially submerged into the mound and partially above. The womb-shaped form derives itself from one of the Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon to whom it is dedicated. The form is composed of soft curves of an ellipsoid held together by a series of portal frames that complete the shell. Glazing, initially planned as radiused, is now segmented and provides panoramic views to the temple and park beyond.
Team
Cyrus Subawalla – Principal Designer
Tejash – Project Design & Project Architect
Gandhali Marathe – Concept Design (part)
Project Data
Building type: Education – Meditation + Theosophy
Sustainability/LEED: Title 24 Certified
Location: Lancaster, California
Site Area: 91,930 sf
Project Area: 800 sf
Client: Hindu Temple of Antelope Valley
Completion Year: Currently in pricing; May 2021
Construction Cost: Est. $668,000
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