yinjispace

ARCHITECTURE
Studio Naqshbandi
PHOTOGRAPHY
Studio Naqshbandi
EDITOR
Gina
Collection

The SAIL Centre in Surat, Gujarat, is a global hub dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, spanning over 1 hectare (2.5 acres) within the 47-hectare (120 acres) Earthspace campus. Envisioned by Shri H P Rama, an Indian hotelier and disciple of the gurus, Earthspace includes AURO University, where integral education blends health, spirituality, science, and consciousness. Designed by Studio Naqshbandi the Centre serves as a sanctuary for introspection, contemplation, and inner growth.

Mona Doctor-Pingel, a seasoned Auroville-based architect, has been involved in the project since 2010, incorporating 3 decades of experience. Her design integrates nature’s five elements, creating sensory narratives with courtyards, bio-ponds and a blend of brick, concrete, and glass. Sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting and indigenous flora, ensure harmony with the low-lying site, while the built environment balances Ahmedabad’s and Chandigarh’s architectural sensibilities.

Key features include a Zen Garden, Sensorium Court and Dhyanshala, a meditative space floating above a bio-pond. The petal-shaped meditation chambers, inspired by The Mother’s attributes, and the serene interiors reflect a spiritual ethos akin to Auroville’s spiritual Centre, Matrimandir. Visitors traverse an intriguing entrance bridge and engage with the Centre’s carefully curated spaces, evoking exploration and inner discovery.

Doctor-Pingel’s thoughtful design philosophy transforms the SAIL Centre into a timeless monument. Beyond a spiritual refuge, it offers young minds an invitation to mindfulness and humanity, reinforcing its pivotal role in AURO University’s campus and in the larger discourse of integral education.

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