The Making of Mimamsa Diary
These blog posts capture my reflections as an architect, college professor, practitioner, code official, thinker, and a tourist. They constitute Mimamsa Diary. Continue reading The Making of Mimamsa Diary
Category: On Architectural Destinations
A Sustainable Island Community: Mexcaltitlan
The island of Mexcalatitlan de Uribe is known as the Mexican Venice. It traces its origin to the Aztlans of the Aztecs. Its round shape reflects their belief in moon worship, while its colorful houses and legendary history point to the birthplace of Mexico in 1,091 AD. This sustainable island community is full of adventure, ancient history, traditional culture, exotic wildlife and delicious food. Continue reading A Sustainable Island Community: Mexcaltitlan
A Sustainable Home for a Buddhist Monk, Junagadh, India
A rock-cut sustainable home for a Buddhist monk in Junagadh in Western India offers a glimpse of what life and architecture were like during the Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE). Continue reading A Sustainable Home for a Buddhist Monk, Junagadh, India
The Stepped Well of Adalaj, India
A simple act of fetching water on a hot Sunny day becomes celebration of delightful architectural experience at the stepped well of Adalaj in India. It provides a wonderful place of refuge for weary travelers. Continue reading The Stepped Well of Adalaj, India
The Sun Temple at Modhera, India
The Sun temple was built in 1026-27 AD. It celebrates Sun worship and is a wonderful example of architecture that unites earth, water, human existence and outer space. Continue reading The Sun Temple at Modhera, India
Dholavira: The Rise and Fall of a Harrapan City
The Harrapan city of Dholavira flourished for 1,200 years (3,000 BCE-1,800 BCE) as an important outpost of the Indus Valley civilization. Eventually, it succumbed to climate change and the shifting of rivers away from its shores. It lay buried for several millennia before being rediscovered in 1956. Dholavira is unique among Harrapan cities due to its elaborate water storage and distribution systems, well-organized town planning and sophisticated construction methods. Continue reading Dholavira: The Rise and Fall of a Harrapan City
The Great Wisdom from Ancient Greece
“Know thyself”. That is the great wisdom inscribed at the Temple of Apollo in Greece. Apollo was the God of music, harmony and light and occupied a prominent position in the Delphic Sanctuary. It is at this temple in Delphi, Greece, where Pythia, the famous oracle uttered these words in 4th century BC. Continue reading The Great Wisdom from Ancient Greece
Great Urban Design: Piazza Navona, Rome
What brings hundreds of people to Piazza Navona in Rome every day? Is it the history that dates back to the Roman empire? Is it great urban design that celebrates human existence by offering places to shop, worship and play? Perhaps the answer lies in all of the above and more. Continue reading Great Urban Design: Piazza Navona, Rome
Buddhist Architecture of Borobudur, Indonesia
The Buddhist Architecture of Borobudur displays how an ancient Mandala diagram can evolve into a three-dimensional work of architecture. In order to experience this transformation your journey begins at the foot of the stepped pyramid and takes you on a magical ride through countless Buddha statues in deep mediation overlooking the scenic landscape. Continue reading Buddhist Architecture of Borobudur, Indonesia
A Glimpse of Modern Architecture: Panch Mahal, India
Panch Mahal at Fatehpur Sikri In India was built in the sixteenth century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is the earliest known example of a multistory frame structure akin to Le Corbusier’s Maison Dom-Ino designed in 1914–1915. Architect Le Corbusier is known as the father of modern architecture, however, Panch Mahal offered a glimpse of modern architecture before its time. Continue reading A Glimpse of Modern Architecture: Panch Mahal, India