Muted walls: temple architecture + augmented reality

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.