Abstract:
This design exegesis is in response to an emerging
condition where artisans and traditional crafting skills are
rapidly diminishing due to perpetual globalization (Kumaj
Jena, 2010). In recent decades this problem has become
particularly acute for esoteric architecture reliant on such
skilled artisans where their craft has been the traditional
means of cultural dialogue across generations for millennia.
Part of the equation is a society that can no longer sustain
traditional handcraft skills economically, where exquisite
and time-consuming artefacts are reserved for or sanctioned
by the societal elite. Another aspect is the struggle of
an everyday artisan to sustain a viable living through his
profession and is forced to adapt his craft for an evolved
market or eventually succumbs to an alterative profession
(Mohapatra, 2005).
This design exegesis explores the potential for Augmented
Reality technology to be integrated into the fabric of
architecture within the context of traditional South Indian
Temple design. Synthesized through a design case study a
“hybrid” framework is then proposed as a viable substitute
for the current Sri Ganesh Temple in Papakura, South
Auckland.
This exegesis is composed of three key sections:
Section one establishes the problem statement for this
exegesis. This section introduces South Indian Temple
architecture, its traditional modes of operation in relation to
society, the contemporary challenges of traditional temple
construction and a discussion about Augmented Reality and
its potential for architectural integration.
Section two discusses an alternative approach to
contemporary temple design and the research approach of
this exegesis. This is followed by a discussion of findings from
a temple drawing study and an outline of the technical and
crafting experimentation conducted during the course of the
exegesis.
Section three is a design case study that is a synthesis of
findings from sections one and two. This section begins with
the introduction of site and a brief discussion about previous
design iterations. This is followed by the discussion of a
hybrid design and operational framework that’s in response
to the problem statement.
The aim of this exegesis is to act as a pilot study that
suggests an alternative approach or framework for
contemporary temple design with potential for varied
architectural applications.
