Thankfully I am taking an architectural history class right now and we are learning all about ancient civilizations, more specifically ancient Buddhist and Hindu cities. Something that is found in almost all the architecture of these cities is the use of the mandala concept. They layout their temples and cities in the design of this mandala, essentially consisting of alternating levels of circles and squares. The squares usually represent gates or passageways to the next level, with these four entrances oriented to the four cardinal points.
So when we were thinking of how to design our new space for our project, I thought why don't we use this same mandala concept. We are already taking inspiration from cities that use it, finding more reference will be great since it is used so often, it offers a higher significance to the whole space, and its also results in an aesthetically pleasing design.
We also decided to change the well at the center of our space to a lotus-shaped ritual bathing pool. Lotuses are also very common symbols in these ancient cultures. Also ritual bathing pools are much more significant than a well in these cities, so it will be more fitting to have this at the center.
