The conceptual design for a modern-day temple in Hulikal, Karnataka, infuses a traditional religious space with the spirit of innovation and experimentation.

The temple’s spire rises in the middle of lush greenery, creating an identifiable point in the skyline in contrast to the ancient temples of the village that are hidden due to the green cover. The monumental structure is designed to be visible from most points in the vicinity, drawing devotees, visitors, and tourists to an experience of peaceful introspection. The tapering form of the spire, placed at the end of a ritualistic pool, is an extension of the ghat surrounding it. Evocative of traditional temple ponds found in southern India, the pool frames picturesque views of the temple spire, reflecting the changing hues of the sky above.

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Rupali Gupte

Rupali Gupte is an architect and urbanist based in Mumbai, Professor at the School of Environment and Architecture (SEA) and a partner at BARDStudio. Her work often crosses disciplinary boundaries and takes different forms – writings, drawings, mixed-media works, story telling, teaching, curation, walks and spatial interventions.

Her works include extensive research on contemporary Indian urbanism with a focus on architecture and built environment; tactical practices; housing; and urban form. In 2013, she co-founded the School of Environment and Architecture (sea.edu.in). SEA is envisaged as an experimental academic space for research and education in architecture and urbanism. She has a wide range of publications, has delivered lectures and been on juries across the world. Her works in collaboration with her partner Prasad Shetty, have been shown in several exhibitions including the 56th Venice Biennale, X Sao Paolo Architecture Biennale, Seoul Biennale of Art and Architecture, at Manifesta 7 in Bolzano, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona and at galleries such as Project 88, Devi Art Foundation and the Mumbai Art Room. She has recently curated an exhibition involving artists and architects titled ‘When is Space? Conversations in Contemporary Architecture’ at the Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Rupali Gupte