Shiv Mandir Almere

Shiv Mandir

The Brahm Rishi Kaylaash Dhaam Foundation initiated the realisation of a building for religious and cultural activities of the Hindustani community in Almere, named Shiv Mandir. This temple was supposed to be part of the Homerus district, designed by OMA and currently under execution, in Almere-Poort. Unfortunately this project was not realized.

The design is based on a number of basic elements of classic Indian Hindu temples, such as a symmetrical layout, a large central space supported by columns, a passageway around this space, and a towering structure above the sacred statues, which is only visible from the outside. Furthermore, the horizontal multi-coloured bands of bricks in the facades also refer to historical examples.

A special atmosphere is created in the large sacred space by allowing daylight to enter through windows behind the openwork brick facades. During night-time the interior lighting of the central space makes the exterior resemble a lantern, further emphasizing the special function of this building in its environs.