RSP designs first Hindu Mandir Cultural Complex in the Middle East

RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (RSP) is appointed as the lead consultant and designer of the first Hindu Mandir Cultural Complex in Abu Dhabhi, the Middle East—through an international architectural design competition by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and Mandir Limited.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir aims to facilitate interfaith dialogue, pluralism and universal human values, and serve the 3.3 million Indians residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and millions of international tourists annually visiting the UAE. Constructed on a 13.5-acre land in Abu Dhabi that is located in close proximity to two major highways in the UAE, the Mandir will be highly accessible to visitors from all over the UAE.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir will be built according to ancient Hindu Sanskrit scriptures of architecture. The exterior of the Mandir will be entirely sculpted from pink sandstone from Rajasthan, India and the interior from white marble. Thousands of such stone pieces will be hand-carved by hundreds of artisans in India, and later shipped to the UAE and assembled on site like a giant 3D jigsaw puzzle.

RSP’s design concept for the Mandir takes inspiration from its location and seeks to establish a tranquil oasis in the desert. This concept of a green retreat is brought into the center of the site. From the dunes of the desert rise the monolithic stone blocks. These stone masses root the scheme to the Earth and blur the lines between architecture and nature. The monumental volumes enclose the center to create a protected environment from the external world.

A stepwell is created in the center of the plot in the heart of which sits the Mandir. The stepwells provided a sanctuary and became a public space that provided water and shelter to the Indian people in the harsh arid climate. The design of the Mandir implements this ancient architectural gesture and turns it into the central node and entrance for the Mandir.

As the largest place in the UAE for people of all faiths to come and experience the Hindu culture, the BAPS Hindu Mandir complex will serve as centre of art, culture and values, and house facilities such as a visitors’ centre, convention halls, a 1,500-seat dining hall, learning facilities and sports areas to meet the needs of the UAE community. — Construction+ Online