Serie Architects redefines spiritual spaces with the Raj Sabhagruh in Dharampur
Serie Architects has unveiled the Raj Sabhagruh, a monumental discourse and meditation hall in Dharampur, Gujarat, India, as part of the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram’s expansive 100-hectare masterplan. This architectural centerpiece, situated atop a crescent-shaped hill, encompasses a 16,000-square-meter space that embodies the Ashram’s spiritual ethos while embracing innovative design principles. The 5,000-seat auditorium at the core of the structure is a circular, column-free expanse defined by its 54-meter diameter and 20-meter height.
The design draws inspiration from Jain Samavasaran temples, employing a 45-degree rotational stacking of 13 rooms that ascend toward a meditation hall. This stacking creates a dynamic interlocking sheer wall system of gently curved, perforated concrete. These walls, integral to the building’s lean architecture approach, double as structural and aesthetic elements, optimizing material use while achieving spatial fluidity. Above the auditorium, a luminous 300-seat meditation hall rises 20 meters, symbolizing a spiritual apex.
Serie’s architects borrowed from the sacred geometry and forms of Jain temples, reinterpreting their layered platforms and intricate shikaras to evoke a journey toward enlightenment. This progression is reflected programmatically, beginning at the ground level with discourse spaces and culminating in silent introspection at the meditation hall. The interplay of light and materiality is central to the design, with deep-set circular windows animating the marble-clad exteriors and perforated concrete walls inviting daylight deep into the interior.
The exterior of Raj Sabhagruh features over 800,000 hand-cut marble bricks sourced from Makrana, Rajasthan, a nod to sustainable construction practices. These bricks, salvaged from discarded marble slabs, lend a crystalline texture that refracts sunlight throughout the day, creating luminous shifts across the building’s surfaces. This artisanal cladding, combined with the sheer walls, imbues the structure with a timeless quality, linking contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.
Inside the auditorium, radial acoustic baffles crafted from timber mimic the intricate sky domes of Jain Maha-mandapas, enveloping visitors in a serene auditory environment. The auditorium’s eastern quadrant positions the Guru’s stage to facilitate intimate dialogue, while a suspended balcony ensures unobstructed sightlines. The adaptable flat floor enables the hall to accommodate various events, reinforcing its multifunctional character.
Crowning the structure, the meditation hall is an ethereal composition of glowing white acoustic panels and over 1,000 embedded lights, creating a sanctuary for deep reflection. Its double structure separates the exterior form from the interior space, enhancing the hall’s serene ambiance while maintaining a distinct architectural identity.
The surrounding plaza, paved with concentric white marble rings, connects the Raj Sabhagruh to other Ashram facilities, including a dining hall, amphitheater, and Jain temple. This expansive plinth fosters community interaction, with shaded pathways and a grove of sacred trees providing tranquil spaces for movement and meditation.
Through Raj Sabhagruh, Serie Architects has delivered an architectural expression that balances sacred tradition with modern innovation, serving the Ashram’s spiritual mission while creating a landmark for reflection, learning, and community engagement.
All images courtesy of Serie Architects, shared with permission
