HINDU AMERICAN RELIGIOUS CENTER

 

LOCATION: ROBBINSVILLE, NJ 

CLIENT: BAPS

MARKET SECTOR: HOSPITALITY

SIZE: 231,000 SF

THE OPPORTUNITY

PS&S was engaged to design a Hindu American Religious Center that addresses the spiritual and historical needs of the BAPS community.  This reflective campus is placed carefully on 72 acres of a 102-acre site within a tree-lined perimeter, providing a tranquil and very unique place.

 

THE CHALLENGE

The BAPS Hindu American Religious Center was envisioned as a phased development of four buildings centered on a landscaped courtyard with access to a magnificent place of prayer, a Mahamandir - the only one in the Americas.  The challenge was to design a place of worship that accurately and appropriately reflects the values that inspired its creation, while inspiring its visitors as well. In accord with the ideal of existing in harmony with nature, it was essential that the design minimize environmental impacts and offer essential sustainability.

 

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S took the conceptual master plan and architecturally developed a spiritually inspiring, functional, and energy-conscious place of worship that reflects its Indian religious contextual background.  The centerpiece, the Mahamandir, was constructed with hand-carved stone made in India.  It is supported by four service buildings that are attached to the Mahamandir via an enclosed walkway, or Parikrama.  The buildings consist of an assembly space, a prayer hall, a youth center, and a visitors’ center.  These provide 225,000 square feet of support and reflective space. The HARC has been carefully and thoughtfully placed on the site to reflect its religious orientation while also meeting environmental, sustainable and planning concerns.  The Mahamandir has been placed to present a strong visual focal point for visitors.

PS&S provided full architectural and engineering services.