SAIL Center / Studio Naqshbandi

Context – The SAIL Heart in Surat, Gujarat, is a worldwide hub devoted to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mom, spanning over 1 hectare (2.5 acres) inside the 47 hectare (120 acres) Earthspace campus. Developed by an Indian hotelier and disciple of the gurus, Earthspace consists of AURO College, the place integral training blends well being, spirituality, science, and consciousness. The middle serves as a sanctuary for introspection, contemplation, and inside development. The Studio Naqshbandi was requested to design this mission in 2010, and eventually, the execution began in 2019 on account of a number of modifications within the location inside the 120-acre campus, in addition to prioritising of funding allotment by the administration for the rising campus.

Idea – Utilizing our studio’s experience in creating pure landscapes to benefit, one of many first choices was to transform the low-lying web site to a rainwater catchment, making a pure pond. Concurrently, it averted an ecological catastrophe some place else to hold 60-70 truckloads of soil to the positioning. The 2950 sq mt Bio Pond is designed as a perennial self-maintaining water physique, then overflows into this pure low-lying landscaped space to create a water physique within the monsoon, attracting particular birds and native water species.

Metaphorically, the water physique defines the separation between the outer and inside world. The Bridge invitations one to transcend this separation and enter a realm of peace and play of sunshine and shadow. Guests traverse this entrance bridge and interact with the middle’s fastidiously curated areas, evoking exploration and inside discovery. The three courtyards inside the constructing permit one entry to nature, wind, and lightweight all through the middle.

Key options embody a Zen Backyard, Sensorium Court docket, small meditation petal pods, and Dhyanshala, a meditative house floating above the bio-pond. The 4 petal-shaped meditation chambers are impressed by the 4 attributes of The Mom, and the serene interiors replicate a non secular ethos akin to Auroville’s non secular heart, Matrimandir. The Sensorium has a number of musical devices that permit one to enter the world of sound and house. The Heart thus lends itself to exploration with all 5 senses in a peaceable and serene atmosphere.

Improvements and Constraints – The design integrates nature’s 5 parts, creating sensory narratives with courtyards, bio-ponds, and a mix of uncovered brick, concrete, and glass. Sustainable practices, together with rainwater harvesting and landscaping with indigenous flora, guarantee concord with the low-lying web site.

Holding on to the unique idea by way of the various modifications and challenges confronted over 10 years of incubation time was an enormous constraint. Challenges comparable to altering the design, which was nearly completed, from a half-underground construction to a totally above-ground construction on account of modifications within the byelaws or the ever-changing Transient by the consumer have been overcome with a number of persistence and negotiations. One other main problem was working from an extended distance to attain the extent of detailing and ending in structure, interiors, and landscaping.