Yogashala is designed to bring together yoga practitioners within a clear, smooth, and uninterrupted space spanning approximately 78 feet. Reflecting the principles of Hatha yoga, which emphasizes minimal force to achieve postures and fosters a sense of lightness in the body, the architecture employs a spaced bamboo system that conveys lightness despite the large span.
The form of Yogashala emerges from the harmony between the rising forces of tensile components and the descending forces of compressive components, all made from the same material. This concept embodies the yoga principle of Prana, or breath vitality, expressed through alternating physical space. Just as the opposing actions of Purak (inhalation) and Rechak (exhalation) are balanced in Kumbhaka (breath retention), the alternating rising and falling curves of the structural system maintain equilibrium.
A key feature of this project is the choice of bamboo as the primary material, showcasing its remarkable expressive potential. The project also promotes bamboo as a sustainable material for the region’s future construction needs. Utilizing bamboo fulfills two important goals: first, it generates employment by leveraging existing artisanal skills that are often overlooked due to the dominance of reinforced concrete and brick in construction. Second, it encourages the use of diverse natural materials, supporting a conscious approach to living in harmony with the Earth.
The yoga studio’s construction involved craftsmen from remote regions of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, who received advanced training to enhance their skills. This approach ensures ongoing participation and skill development, while expanding social impact through technological improvements and increased opportunities. The bamboo craftsmen hail from tribal areas in South Gujarat and have long worked with bamboo sourced locally from surrounding forests. Our collaboration with this team began seven years ago and has steadily grown. About 15 skilled craftsmen worked for three and a half months to complete this structure.
Project Drawings
△ Project Model
△ Project Model
△ Project Model
△ Project Model
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: ThumbImpressions
Area: 280 square meters
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Nikhil Patel
Architects: Milind Jhaveri, Sankalpa, Nikhil Patel, Jugal Naik
Project Engineer: Manu Narendran
Executing Agency: ThumbImpressions Build
Bamboo Craftsmen Team: Vasant D Kotwal
Location: Mulugu, India
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