product-00001_4ft² [altar]
In cities like Mumbai, where every square inch of space is precious, making the most of a small space comes down to design sensibilities. This altar was designed for a living room that is primarily used for entertainment and leisure.
To accommodate the contrasting functions of this intimate 145sqft living space, Immaculate utilised the spiritual dimension of architecture: atmosphere. A dedicated atmosphere, for the spiritual daily ritual of prayer, was manipulated into the space.
Housed inside of a romanesque-arched plaster niche, the altar had two other non-negotiable elements—the wooden cross and statuettes.
As the response, Immaculate designed a three panel triptych that spans the breadth and height of the 2x2.5ft niche. The details of the triptych were heavily influenced by the Gothic architecture masterpiece, the Reims Cathedral.
The smaller side panels borrow elements from the outer façade of the cathedral and were designed keeping the accommodation of the statues in mind. Archivolts, pointed arch windows and quatrefoils form the backdrop for these statues.
The larger centre panel was wholly inspired from the interior façade of the cathedral. Jamb statues framing the doorway and a large rose window, form the central backdrop for the wooden cross.
All the elements were designed and assembled in-studio by carefully stacking layers of MDF.
Since this altarpiece has to serenely recede in the background while still holding its own during the rest of the day, hues were strategically chosen to complement the moody colour palette of the space. The resulting pigments were developed in-studio.
The dramatic burden of this project is carried by a singular spotlight starkly illuminating the entire altarpiece. The depth created by the sharply cut staggered details encourage a dynamic interplay between light, shade and shadow, inspiring a powerful meditative mood for prayer.
Thus, with the ascent of dusk and a single spotlight, the volume transcends from a space of recreation into a profound meditative atmosphere designed for devotion.