NEW BUILD

2010 – 2014

The Universal Meditation Centre provides a dedicated space where college students can learn and practice meditation. The centre incorporates representations of all three major traditions in Fiji. The plan configuration is inspired by the shape of a bow and arrow pointing in the direction of the targe; the goal of meditation, the point of stillness within each of us.

The building is specifically aligned with its entrance facing the sunrise on 18th February, the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna, founding leader of the organisation. On this day the sunrise falls exactly on his image in the centre of the raised platform at the western end of the space. A narrow glazed slot admits and focuses these rays, to the exclusion of the sunrise at other times.

The Meditation Hall is intentionally inward focussed, and when seated facing the teachers of these traditions, it is not possible to see to the outside. The main source of daylight internally is via the wide windows underneath the lower roofs and highlight windows above each side. The building’s design is based in traditional Indian architecture principles and its roof is constructed of mainly Fijian timber.