Sabbatical Community Living

Abstract

“Sabbatical Community Living”, is just as the name says, it is a community space for travellers to live for a period of time. This period of time could be anywhere between a month to a year’s time. The purpose of this project goes hand in hand with the location of the site. Gokarna is a has been described as a paradise by many. It is a place one goes to relax and unwind. It is not uncommon for one to witness others inducled in many recreational activites such as meditation and yoga even by the sea side. The need to relax is a strong need by almost everyone. For one’s mind to stay healthy and happy it is necessary that one spends time in relaxing and relieving the stress from day to day life. In India, people work hard and people work harder. Taking a break is usually limited for a few days or a week but one doesnt completely let go of their busy lifestyle for months together. The site location combined with the design philosophy makes the ideal combination for the design concept. The design philosophy is that the visiters who choose to stay here can completely unwind and relax. There are three different types of habitable spaces that are designed here. These also act as community spaces where one person can interact with their neighbours and learn about their stories. There are also isolated spaces designed near the cliff which acts as a place for self exploration. People can go there and self reflect. It is a place which is completely contrasting to the idea of a community gathering but yet just as essential to an individual. Man being a socia person enjoys interacting with others. But solitude is just as important to a human. Its through moments of solitdue and exploration that one can find their true self. The project includes several spaces which acts as a relaxing zones. Be it a pavillion, or a yoga hall or a meditation space or the architectural space. The main objective is it evokes a sense of relaxation in the people. Architecture in today’s world is dominated by vision. In a sense, it is surrounded by the thought that it should look good visually or in a photograph. In this process we forget to truely enjoy being there. Its presence. This project tries to reduce the visual dominence but instead concentrate on its other senses. Electronic gadgets are prohibited here and they can be stored in lockers which can be accessed in case an emergency arises. No vehicles apart from cycles are allowed in here.