Akshardham - Gandhinagar

Akshardham was a critical design challenge, especially as the project involved the addition of buildings around famous temple executed in a traditional style. The main enquiry of the project revolved around architectural styles, materials and language to fit the historic context and religious significance of the context. 

Instead of copying or imitating a style, the project adopted a language to create a suitable setting, a seamless backdrop for the existing traditional architecture. Functional and spatial requirements were used in a minimalist way. The structure was load-bearing and used locally available bricks. Spatially, elements such as a stone columned parikrama path (circumambulatory way) were introduced to strengthen the connect of the intervention with its surroundings.

Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Client: Swaminarayan Group
Year: 1988