Omelette du Fromage: November 2005

Yes its me...

Google Earth view of the Bahai Temple

The Bahai Temple
The architectural spectacle was designed by Mr. Fariborz Sahba. In fact, I was mesmerized by its exquisite architecture. The outside structure of the house of worship is constructed into three ranks of nine petals each springing from a podium which elevates the building above the surrounding plain. The temple took six years and eight months to be completed and costed Rs. 10 000 000.

The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, constructed of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels, performed to surface profiles and patterns related to the geometry.

You know what! these nine pools surrounding the building, suggest that they are green leaves of the lotus flower.The structure has no pillars inside for support!Mr. Sabha, the designer, was presented the award for excellence in religious art and architecture by the US-based Institute of Structural Engineers in the UK, for producing a building that was so emulating in the form of a flower and so striking in its visual impact.