SANCTUM OF TREES
Nestled within a 35 acre farmland transformed into a thriving forest by a late philanthropist, this project is a reflective space commissioned by his son. Rather than a conventional memorial, the design celebrates the ideals and deep-rooted love for trees that defined the father's life.
At the heart of the project is a stone monolith, its austere exterior contrasting with a raw metal threshold that leads to the inner sanctum. The sanctum is carefully nestled within a dense grove of trees, planted by the late patriarch, with meticulous effort taken to preserve the existing vegetation. Inspired by the spatial sequencing of Tamil temples, the design follows a processional journey, a narrow passageway opening into a sacred inner chamber.
The slightly elevated portal of raw steel heightens the sense of passage, marking the transition from the outside, leading into a winding tunnel of deep red-stained concrete, evoking a sense of compression and release. The journey culminates in a circular void at the heart of the structure, an abstracted reference to the Karuvarai, the innermost sanctum of Tamil temples, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional significance of the core.
In place of a deity, the void holds an Adansonia digitata tree, chosen for its monumental presence, longevity, and deep cultural significance. Revered as a symbol of life, strength, and resilience, the sacred tree embodies the late patriarch's values of generosity and service. Across cultures, it is believed to bridge the physical and spiritual realms, making it a poignant metaphor for a space dedicated to an enduring legacy.
The red-stained concrete walls within the sanctum evoke the human heart, symbolizing the soul, while the tactile stone exterior references the resilience of human skin. This interplay of materials reinforces the narrative of life, memory, and the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.
By preserving the trees planted by the late patriarch, the monolith stands as a quiet yet powerful testament to his reverence for nature. As the Adansonia digitata tree takes root and expands, it will gradually embrace the structure, a poignant reminder that nature will outlast and transcend the manmade.
