The Sikh helping hand
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Other Title
Authors
Singh, Kanwar Raj
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2022
Supervisors
McConchie, Graeme
Patel, Yusef
Patel, Yusef
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
New Zealand
Sikh temples
Sikhs in New Zealand
cultural identity
Sikh architecture
Indian architecture
Indians in New Zealand
Sikh temples
Sikhs in New Zealand
cultural identity
Sikh architecture
Indian architecture
Indians in New Zealand
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Singh, K.R. (2022). The Sikh helping hand (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6296
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
how can Sikh architecture in a New Zealand context strengthen the relationship within its community?
ABSTRACT
As New Zealand is considered a multi-cultural society, one of the newest communities in New Zealand is the Sikh community. Members of the Sikh community in New Zealand are mainly from Punjab, with the first influx of Sikhs arriving in early 1900. Sikh temples in New Zealand were created as a place for worship and belonging that resembled its culture. As the Sikh community grows, numerous gurdwaras (Sikh temples) have been built. New Zealand is home to 20 gurdwaras spanning across the whole country.
The introduction of gurdwaras in New Zealand has allowed many Sikhs a place for worship. In recent times the gurdwaras are starting to strengthen their relationship with the broader community. A fundamental principle in the Sikh religion is sewa (voluntary help). This proposes the idea of how Sikhs can strengthen their relationship with the broader community.
Gurdwaras have been around for centuries. This can be seen through numerous examples, such as Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Golden temple is one of the most sacred and prominent gurdwaras in the world due to its history and the principles used to create the temple.
This research project investigates the design possibilities in New Zealand and how this will impact its local community through the analysis of precedents, case studies and the origins of Sikh architecture and how it has changed over the years. The Analysis of Sikh temples illustrates there is very little information about the fundamental design principles used in Sikh temples. Designing a gurdwara will benefit the users and help strengthen their spiritual, social, physical, and physiological well-being. Understanding Sikhism is essential to creating a gurdwara as learning about the basics of Sikhism philosophy and principles is key to designing a gurdwara. In vestigating spaces that encourage community engagement with the Sikh and broader community creates a sense of community and fulfill both community’s immediate needs.
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