Swaminarayan Akshardham

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.
Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades.
For the first time ever in the world witness the heritage of India in all its facets, insights and beauty at the Swaminarayan Akshardham through its monument, exhibitions, verdant gardens and other attractions.

For Complete Photo Gallery of the Monument Click Here

Turning Torso

Structural Genius and Poetic Architect Sandiago Calatrava's Turning Torso has been completed and open for occupancy this month. The design of this residential skyscraper was derived from human body. Calatrava's poetic touch and structural ingenuity will make this an unique high rise residential building in Europe.
Check out the Floor Plans of Turning Torso Here

Saint Louis Arch

Me and my wife made a trip to Saint Louis,MO to see the arch during the Labor Day weekend. I always wanted to see the arch ever since I saw a documentary about the construction of the arch on BBC during the 90's. Truly it is a finest piece of monument I have ever seen in my life. The precision and perfection in excecution was so perfect. I just can't believe it was actually constructed 40 years ago, It looks so fresh as if it was built recently. Cesar Pelli in his book "Observations for Young Architects" said "an Architect should be a visionary to think 20 years ahead of his time". Eero Saarinen was a real pioneer to envision a design that was way ahead of his time. This arch is a true example of Modern Architecture which celebrates pure form and daring structural precision. I will upload Arch photos in my next post.

I M Pei - True Modern Architect

I completed watching the documentary about I.M. Pei, Pei is a true genius of Modern Architecture. His forms are derived from traditional motifs but strictly geometric. Use of materials, shape, color, texture predominates his designs in very subtle form. After Louis I Kahn I like Pei's work ; very creative at the same time very simplistic. I also like him as a person, he is humble and not egotistic like other big architects. I hope I will be able to see one of his buildings in the near future.

I M Pei

I am watching this video about great American Architect I.M. Pei.
I always liked Pei's work, especially National Gallery of Art addition in Washington. Striking geometry and clean lines are some of the characters of Pei's forms. I will write more once I complete watching the video.

Architecture of The Indian Subcontinent

For those who are interested in Indian Architecture must check this book out.
Takeo Kamiya is a Japanese Architect who traveled India for more than twenty years and collected these wonderful color images about Indian traditional architecture. I hope one day I could travel whole India to see the rich Architectural Heritage of my country.

Laxitas - Spatial largeness (especially inside a building).

Welcome to my personal web space devoted to Architecture.