Yatin Singhal
Panipat, Haryana, India
I am an architect with a niche towards cultural heritage projects. A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, allowed me immense exploration of heritage in my professional journey. I've undertaken diverse roles with government and private organisations, including a consultancy position with the Department of Archaeology & Museums, Haryana, head office at Chandigarh, India. This rich and varied experience has profoundly influenced my approach to architecture for culturally inclined audiences. Currently, I am leading a multidisciplinary architectural firm – Yatin Singhal Architects at Panipat, Haryana, India.
At this organisation, the work approach is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering excellence in architectural design. The diverse portfolio showcases a range of projects, from cultural precincts, adaptive reuse and heritage documentation to institutional, commercial, and residential developments. The ability to combine creativity with functionality, crafting spaces that not only meet clients' needs but also fulfil their expectations. This sort of project experience enables an architect in Haryana to work in qualitative potential and deliver innovative spaces that amalgamate culture, heritage, and sustainable approach, in an environment friendly precinct.
Cultural Narratives in Museum Architecture: Exploring Religious Beliefs and Beyond
Swami Omanand Sarasvati Puratattva Sangrahalaya (or Gurukul Jhajjar), located in Jhajjar, Haryana, India, is an upcoming cultural institution. Rooted in the rich heritage of the Hindu community, this upcoming museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the integration of cultural symbolism and architectural form within a cosmological framework. The proposed museum design is crafted to immerse both the structure and visitors in a profound cosmological narrative. Embracing the circular form, the museum building symbolizes the eternal cycle of birth and death, reflecting deep philosophical underpinnings inherent in Hindu cosmology. In Hindu philosophy, the concept of cyclical time, known as "kala chakra," suggests that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution
The design incorporates a circumambulation space surrounding the museum block, fostering a sense of reverence for the sacred idols to be housed within. It echoes the practice of "pradakshina", commonly observed in Hindu religious contexts where devotees walk around sacred objects or spaces as a form of reverence and worship. This feature thus imbues the museum with a sacred aura, inviting visitors to engage in a ritualistic and contemplative experience. This architectural feature not only pays homage to Hindu religious practices but also invites visitors to engage with the museum space in an immersive manner.
Through an exploration of the museum design, the project seeks to uncover the intricate interplay between cultural heritage and architectural design. By delving into the symbolic significance of architectural elements and their cultural contexts, this study aims to deepen the understanding of how museum architecture can transcend mere physical spaces, becoming vessels for cultural expression and spiritual contemplation.
culture; Hindu; Museum; symbolism; Gurukul