Aotearoa Sikh architecture : a place for worship

Abstract

Very little research about “Sikh Architecture” is currently available. When it comes to identifying Sikh temples, the perception of the majority assumes that Sikh temples are the same as Hindu temples and Islamic Mosques; following the same rituals, customs, and design strategies. The research that does exist offers very little understanding of “Gurudwaras” (Sikh Temples).

New Zealand has a unique demographic and diversity of cultures. It is home to a multitude of different faiths and cultures from around the globe. Each community has a desire to create its own sense of place, one that resembles the native land and also reflects its culture. The purpose of this project is to explore what are fundamentally the most important elements of Sikh Architecture, those elements which must be present and those which are less important to the sense of “Sikh.”

This research will explore the design possibilities of “Gurudwara” within the New Zealand context. It will also allow to investigate the negotiable and non negotiable design features of contemporary Gurudwaras in a New Zealand context and what features of Gurudwara identifies as Sikh architecture?

Proposed site: Shirley Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland.