Aditya Pandita

AR2061

In a hypothetical universe, the Kailash Temple at Ellora has disappeared, leaving only the vast void between the 100-foot cliffs and the Shivling in its original position. The design brief called for a Museum and Interpretation Center to house public gathering spaces, exhibits on Kailash's history through various media, and a sacred space for the Shivling. The design process began with conceptual models at a 1:500 scale, inspired by the keywords Reciprocal, Indifference, and Conflict, with Indifference chosen as the core concept. Drawing from the model, the design explored the stacking and staggering of volumes, creating vertically layered spaces that interact with the site’s topography. The Mountain experience further guided the design, evoking the journey of ascent with varied datum points that offer moments of pause, reflection, and engagement with the surrounding context. These spatial strategies formed the foundation for a design that weaves together history, culture, and spirituality.