Excerpt: Aatma Manthan Museum by Sanjay Puri Architects is an interior design project aimed at fostering deep self-reflection by harmonizing the soul (aatma), mind (mana), and body (tann). Aligned with the museum’s theme and purpose, the space is thoughtfully structured into a series of rooms, each offering a unique sensory experience through immersive depictions of natural elements.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Within the base of the 270 feet high statue of belief in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India, a museum to evoke self analysis bringing together a holistic combination of the soul (aatma), mind (mana) & body (tann) has been created in a space of 18,000 sq.ft.
In keeping with the concept of the museum in terms of what needs to be portrayed, the overall space is divided into a series of rooms, each of which has a different experience by the depiction of natural elements in immersive experiences.
The museum is entered through a large foyer which is purposely designed as a fluid volume. The walls, ceiling, structural columns, reception desk & seating benches are homogeneously finished with a thin layer of foam concrete that fluidly encapsulates all these elements while absorbing sound simultaneously.
This sculptural volume enveloped in a concrete grey calms the visitors, transporting them to a tranquil state prior to entering the 18 sequential zones created. The visitors are led from this cavernous entrance to a narrow undulating corridor with images portraying the making of the museum. Post this, each room is entered one by one with different themes conveyed through audio visuals & immersive experiences.
The design of this museum overcomes the challenge of working with a floor plan that is irregular in shape with multiple structural elements, creating a sequential flow of volumes & experiences with a neutral palette throughout, to enhance the audio visual & immersive experiences within.
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