Sudhananda Ashram Wedding Hall

Our brief was to design a wedding hall inside Suddhananda Ashram for underprivileged communities. Weddings in India are filled with rituals and customs – Inviting the Groom, A coming together, Ganesh Puja, Here comes the Bride, Muhurtham, Parental Blessings, Fire ceremony, exchange rings/garlands etc. Traditionally temples and other religious institutions are used as wedding venues. The sacred quality of these places makes it an ideal setting for a sacred union. 

‘Architecture does not teach us what the sacred is, but it may touch it and draw others to it’ . We wanted to bring in light from above to make a connection with the sky and the light from the skylight would create a special place for the bride & groom. The structure of the hall with colonnades and doors is inspired by the symmetry and construction of pillared halls and temples. The hall forms a sacred complex with the temple and an open space.