Who designed Lotus Temple?
VerifiedAnswer: Fariborz Sahba
Explanation:
The magnificent Lotus Temple in New Delhi was designed by Fariborz Sahba, an Iranian-Canadian architect who created one of India's most iconic modern architectural marvels. Sahba was chosen for this project through an international architectural competition, and his lotus-inspired design perfectly captured the essence of what would become a symbol of unity and peace.
Fariborz Sahba was born in Iran and later moved to Canada, where he established himself as a renowned architect. His vision for the Lotus Temple was deeply rooted in the symbolism of the lotus flower, which represents purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening across many cultures. The temple's design features 27 marble-clad petals arranged in clusters of three, forming nine sides that create the distinctive lotus shape when viewed from above.
Construction and Design Features: The temple was completed in 1986 and serves as the Bahá'í House of Worship for the Indian subcontinent. Sahba's architectural genius is evident in the temple's innovative structural design, which required no internal pillars to support the massive dome. The entire structure is made of white Pentelic marble, the same material used in many ancient Greek monuments, giving it a timeless and ethereal appearance.
The temple's design also incorporates practical elements such as natural ventilation and lighting systems that reduce the need for artificial climate control. Sahba carefully planned the surrounding landscape, including nine pools that not only enhance the temple's beauty but also help in cooling the structure naturally. The temple can accommodate up to 2,500 visitors at a time and welcomes people of all faiths for prayer and meditation.
