gwenswatson (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} gwenswatson) wrote,@ 2006-03-04 07:36:00 |
|
Bahai lotus temple
So, I actually didn't take this photo. Rather I handily lifted it with the help of google image search. I didn't bring my camera today, which was dumb.
Anyway, this is where I spent two hours of my Saturday afternoon. It was a little sunnier and later in the day than in this photo.
From the main walkway you see in the picture the setting sun appears to descend into the center of the lotus.
Inside the building is really gorgeous, but it is prohibited to take photos (also silence is maintained). In addition to the delicate arches that somehow support the roof (visually these are hard to believe) the interior is amazing because while there is the nine-fold symmetry of the lotus structure, there are no "straight lines." For instance, the main entrance arches which are under the shadowed areas in the photo are slimmer towards their peaks, while also expanding towards the exterior. Every piece of marble seems to be custom fitted.
The building vaguely reminded me of Frank Gehrey stuff. The symmetry of the temple gives it an entirely different sort of feel though. The temple is a pretty good sales pitch for the Bahai faith which is apparently all about the equality of all people and the importance of global understanding.
So, I actually didn't take this photo. Rather I handily lifted it with the help of google image search. I didn't bring my camera today, which was dumb.
Anyway, this is where I spent two hours of my Saturday afternoon. It was a little sunnier and later in the day than in this photo.
From the main walkway you see in the picture the setting sun appears to descend into the center of the lotus.
Inside the building is really gorgeous, but it is prohibited to take photos (also silence is maintained). In addition to the delicate arches that somehow support the roof (visually these are hard to believe) the interior is amazing because while there is the nine-fold symmetry of the lotus structure, there are no "straight lines." For instance, the main entrance arches which are under the shadowed areas in the photo are slimmer towards their peaks, while also expanding towards the exterior. Every piece of marble seems to be custom fitted.
The building vaguely reminded me of Frank Gehrey stuff. The symmetry of the temple gives it an entirely different sort of feel though. The temple is a pretty good sales pitch for the Bahai faith which is apparently all about the equality of all people and the importance of global understanding.
