Anthroposophic Architectural Design

Ameya A. Thanawala
Semester 9 | Academy of Architecture
Monsoon Electives 2023-24
Process

Learnings and Process of the Elective

Idea of Freedom
Ideas of Rudolf Steiner
● I describe freedom as a complete autonomy over thoughts and actions that are of its
own nature and not impelled by an external being.

● Freedom in my opinion is the unity of man’s consciousness with its intuition to act Philosophy of Freedom
responsible. It has also to do with our innate nature to be curious and inquisitive.

● I comprehend this process of manifestation as “Intuition” - “Imagination” and

“Application”. Introduction to Anthroposophy

Anthrposophical Architecture
Idea of Anthroposophy

● Anthroposophy as I understood is a discipline that engages or strives to link the scientific

findings with the “thinking”/ human soul. Thus the idea takes into account various Application
associations amongst nature, cosmos, human beings with appropriate scientific
backing.

● Such are the disciplines of Anthroposophical architecture that create structures that are
in harmony with its natural environment, holistic in approach and take into
consideration human spirit. It also is characterized by organic forms, sustainable design
approaches, Use of natural materials, lights and colour.
Project Introduction

A. Aims of the Design

The Design Project chosen is an Office Building for Netflix located in Bora
Bora Islands, French Polynesia. ● The Structure is to be designed on a Site with pristine natural
environment and biodiversity. Thus Anthroposophic principles of
The Site offers beautiful views of the lagoon and is on the foothills of a Design help in establishing the missing link between built and
hillock. The Site conditions and Program of the Building impose certain unbuilt.
challenges and perhaps become the reason for the selection of this ● Theme of the project includes achieving work-life balance &
project. creating spaces comfortable for working. Thus the holistic design
approach with an eye for human - scale detailing is an important
factor of anthroposophy to be considered.
Local Context - Arts and Architecture

Key Takeaways from the Culture are:

● the Heiva I Bora Bora, also known as 'The Celebration of Life.' It takes
● They believe in forces of Nature and perform several folk arts place in the city of Vaitape and is known for its music, dancing, singing,
(Tamure) that believes in organization and metamorphosis in terms and athletic events, highlighting the culture of the people of French
of spirituality. Polynesia.
● Their Art is heavily inspired from nature and uses Leaves, Coconut ● The Traditional Architecture involves the use of stone walls, timber
Shells, Floral patterns, shells, cane and bamboo. Since Tourism is walls or bamboo construction. Thatch roofs are prevalent and the
the major economy, Arts and crafts play a crucial role for the houses are generally supported on stilts.
livelihood.
Artistic Motifs and Spirituality

French Polynesia has multitude of artistic motifs that use natural elements to represent the relationship between man and the spirit. Lapit Motifs are
particularly popular to create complex artistic patterns made of simple individual patterns.
Some of the interesting motifs are listed as:

One meaning of the word tiki is figure,

Human figures, otherwise Lapit Motif is made up of simple patterns giving rise to complex motifs. Such is the symbolic
known as enata in Marquesan connect of various forces of nature coming together to make the spiritual being which is in the so tiki is the name given to human-like
language, represent men, form of naturalistic elements and animals. figures that usually represent
women and sometimes gods. If semi-gods..The tiki can also represent
they are placed upside down deified ancestors, priests and chiefs
then they can be used to The turtle or honu is another important creature throughout all Polynesian cultures and has who became semi-gods after their
represent defeated enemies. been associated with several meanings. The first being the fact that turtles symbolise health, passing. They symbolise protection,
fertility, longevity in life, foundation, peace and rest, joining and stitching together families and fertility and they serve as guardians.
representing the idea of unity.
Artistic Motifs and Spirituality

French Polynesia has multitude of artistic motifs that use natural elements to represent the relationship between man and the spirit. Lapit Motifs are
particularly popular to create complex artistic patterns made of simple individual patterns.
Some of the interesting motifs are listed as:

Shark teeth or niho mano deserve a space of their own. Sharks are one of the favourite forms
that aumakua choose to appear to man. They represent protection, guidance and strength as
well as fierocity however, they are also symbols of adaptability in many cultures.

Over-stylised enata joined together in a row of people holding hands form the motif called ani
ata, which translates to “cloudy sky”.Polynesian languages and a row of enata in a semi-circular
form often represent the sky as well as the ancestors guarding their descendants.

The stylisations of the ocean can often represent ideas such as life, change and continuity
through change. Waves can also be used to represent the world beyond or the place where the
departed go and rest on their last voyage
Topographical Relationship

A. Landscape Terraces Merging Form from Sides with Green terraces

● The landscape spillout manifests into stepped terraces following ● Form from the sides merges with the landscape at multiple Levels
the topography where community gardening and composting can Thus creating an emerging form from the landscape.
happen. ● The Sillhouette of the structure looks like a mountain emerging
● The Stepped Wetland Ponds that purify greywater are created from the ground
adjacent to it that lie in the valley of the site thus appreciates the
natural water drainage pattern of site.
Morphology

Water Recycling
PV Roof Sloping Roofs
Pond

Silhouette of the Building

● Like the traditional stilted structures, the

volumes are lifted above ground
appearing like floating volumes. They
minimize the impact on the natural terrain.
● The Roofs are sloped in a rhythmic way to
respect the profile of the mount topua in
the background. Sloped roof not only
helps in channeling the the heavy rain
water but also acts as a potential area for
creating PV roof.

Landscape mounds
Compost Gardens Integrating form with the
site
Morphology

Distinct Triple Height volumes with

Clerestory Levels

Silhouette of the Building

● Larger volumes like Informal work-zone

and Studio halls show distinct massing
with domes on top. This Convexity in the
interiors gives a welcoming feel to the
public space while the clerestory
windows naturally light up the space.
● The farthest volumes are merged with the
Landscape to create outdoor spillouts into
the landscape terraces.

Staircase Feature Single Height and Cozy Breakout

distinctly marked by spaces with distinct pastel
it’s form and material red-orange colour
Material Palette

● The Design primarily uses Structural Steel construction in order to achieve

larger spans and flexible spaces. However a balanced natural material
palette is curated using :
● Locally available Basalt Stone Retaining walls
● Timber Staircases and Mezzanine floors.
● Bamboo/Cane Jaali and Partitions
● Basalt and Timber Structural Walls.
● Locally carved bamboo and timber carved ceilings.
● Flooring Material may include mud plastering, Stone-Chip flooring, Stone
flooring and wooden flooring. The natural materials create a warm palette
that naturally makes the space more amicable to the user.

The concept of Double roof shall be used where on a Tiled roofing, Thatch roof is
added as the secondary layer that prevents the interiors from adverse effects of
rain and heat.

Thus we can draw multiple parallels with the existing architecture of the context but
the application is for a much more contemporary structure. Source: https://anthroposophy.org.uk/architecture/
Transition Space

Key Plan

1. Morphology - Interior-Exterior spaces 2. Living Walls and Ceiling

● Organically and Sculpturally carved Niches and Nook Spaces. These ● The Walls of the spillout organically fold to form a seat and the
forms have a single height volume and are cozy. entrance. Thus living wall is an element that seamlessly changes
and emerges.
● They offer a contrast to the cuboidal volumes present thus giving ● Apart from this the walls help in establishing an inside out
a unique form to different functions. connection. This is achieved via Staircases connecting two levels
having a fine bamboo jaali.
Transition Space

1. Morphology - Interior-Exterior spaces 2. Living Walls and Ceiling

● Organically and Sculpturally carved Niches and Nook Spaces. These ● The Walls of the spillout organically fold to form a seat and the
forms have a single height volume and are cozy. entrance. Thus living wall is an element that seamlessly changes
and emerges.
● They offer a contrast to the cuboidal volumes present thus giving ● Apart from this the walls help in establishing an inside out
a unique form to different functions. connection. This is achieved via Staircases connecting two levels
having a fine bamboo jaali.
Transition Space

Key Plan

3. Natural Processes 4. Artistic Motifs

● The Clerestory window helps in creating stack effect that helps in ● Inlay tiles have motifs that separate the spillout space from the
passive cooling. It has artistic motifs marking a distinct space. corridor. They mark the threshold.
● Enata Motif is abstracted to form a seat with distinct stone chip
● Alternate semi-open spaces creates refuge-prospect spaces. flooring.
This coupled with play of natural light & existing vegetation on site, ● Various Single Lapit Motifs are used as panels/jaalis for Lighting
induce biophilia. the space and connecting inside to the outside.
Transition Space

5. Colours and Meaning of Colour 6. Materials

● Red pastel colour induces warmth and a sense of gathering. It also ● Natural Bamboo Slit screen is used to cover the staircase that
activates the mind for a productive study. creates a play of linear light and shadow on the corridor.
● Red is coupled with yellow lights to induce vibrant energy in the ● The spillout has a smooth mud plaster finish that is contrasted with
space.
Highly tactile coconut reed cladding on the wall and the stained
● Brown-beige palette of the natural materials with Warm colours
creates a welcoming atmosphere. oakwood flooring in the corridor.
● Railing uses Bamboo Culms and embraces free-flow.
Workspace

Key Plan

1. Morphology - Interior-Exterior spaces 2. Living Walls and Ceiling

● The orthogonal cuboidal spaces take an organic approach in the ● Walls and ceilings coherently merge into one another creating organic
interior architecture. and flowing interiors. This helps in seamless connection of spaces
● Convexities in the space induce the sense of multiple voids in a ● Scooping and formation of Niches help in increasing the interaction
solid space thus maximizing light and ventilation in space. between the inside and outside.
● The Ceiling has multiple oculi retaining vegetation.
● The truncated punctures act as light shelves that flood interior spaces
with natural light. Door handle has designed pull handle
Workspace

Key Plan

3. Natural Processes 4. Artistic Motifs

● Naturally available timber joists are used as ceiling members that ● Shark-teeth Pattern symbolizing protection, wraps itself from wall
impart textures to the space. to floor around the lounge demarcating a defined area.
● Enata Motifs are used in Light stands
● This goes in contrast to the smooth mud flooring. ● Tiki motifs are used as screens on the glass walls for the Manager
Cabins. It indicates the hierarchy present in the office.
Workspace

5. Colours and Meaning of Colour 6. Materials

● Warm colours are used to create a vibrant space. ● Mix of organic colours, plaster that generally impart smooth texture
in the space. This makes the space coherent.
● The Wall Niche is red in colour with red stained glass radiating the
maximum amount of energy. It is highlighted by orange colour that ● Occasional Bamboo reeds act as screens imparting privacy in the
radiates outward. The colour finally lightens to cream that itself cabins.
becomes the colour of the wall
Informal Work Space - Courtyard

Key Plan

1. Morphology - Interior-Exterior spaces 2. Living Walls and Ceiling

● Multiple Courtyards in the space not only tap in the wind but are ● The ‘Courtyard’ creates Light pockets that floods the space with
also an abstraction of metamorphosis, inspired from the local natural Light as well as are the means of Interaction.
cultural dance form. Smaller voids are organic and staggered just ● Niches in the Walls act as connectors between the inside and
like burrows found in nature. outside.
● Whilst the Larger Atrium of Informal work zone is more pronounced, ● They have cane screens giving partial glimpse of the outside
radiates/bulges outwards to create a more grand and public
character.
Informal Work Space - Courtyard

1. Morphology - Interior-Exterior spaces 2. Living Walls and Ceiling

● Multiple Courtyards in the space not only tap in the wind but are ● The ‘Courtyard’ creates Light pockets that floods the space with
also an abstraction of metamorphosis, inspired from the local natural Light as well as are the means of Interaction.
cultural dance form. Smaller voids are organic and staggered just ● Niches in the Walls act as connectors between the inside and
like burrows found in nature. outside.
● Whilst the Larger Atrium of Informal work zone is more pronounced, ● They have cane screens giving partial glimpse of the outside
radiates/bulges outwards to create a more grand and public
character.
Informal Work Space - Courtyard

Key Plan
4. Artistic Motifs

● In the Informal courtyard, The Lapit face motif is abstracted to form ● Clerestory level has Turtle motifs carved on the walls that
circular pod seatings with triangular flooring patterns in between symbolize spiritual peace and longevity and is symbolic of the soul
acting as connectors. The lapit face motif symbolizes the or the spirit.
anthropomorphic form ie the human being. Thus it is used at the ● The ramp connecting ground level to Clerestory level shows a
lower level. connection between human and the soul through an experiential
journey of volume and light.
Informal Work Space - Courtyard

Key Plan

5. Colours and Meaning of Colour 6. Materials

● Red and orange colours are predominantly used to create warmth ● Timber planks are used as distinct flooring materials that lead to
in an open and voluminous space. spiritual elements ( Tree/ clerestory level)
● Steel columns are placed in a flaring and branching pattern that
● Red colour in the ramp acts like a focal element that radiates active abstracts and appreciates the existing tree in the space.
energy throughout multiple levels. ● Stained Glass in the clerestory level are etched with vanilla leaf
plant vein motif. This creates a dramatic effect of light and
● Green colour of the tree actively complements the red colour and shadow in the space.
is a biophilic element.
Formal Work Space - Studio Hall

Key Plan

1. Morphology - Interior-Exterior spaces 2. Living Walls and Ceiling

● The large cuboidal space is broken by organic convexities of ● Walls of the Studio Hall are designed with greater thickness. This
openings and Flared columns. helps in structural stability of larger spans at the same time
● Columns have stepped like form that is finished with bamboo reed creates deep alcoves for people to sit, mediate, interact and
cladding. It is reminiscent of a coconut Tree Trunk.
converse. The Deep alcoves act as natural buffer space controlling
● Curvilinear Acoustic Ceiling elements adorn the ceiling that gives it a
functional as well as an aesthetic look. the light in space. These alcoves are furthered given different
colours to elevate the experience in the space
Formal Work Space - Studio Hall

Key Plan

4. Artistic Motifs

● Shark teeth motifs are abstracted as rhythmic openings in the ● The Cane Jaalis are used at an angle and follow the undulations
wall in Studio Hall. of the wall.
● Thus it boosts the effect of shark teeth motif and create drama of
● The walls have oceanic motifs done in plaster that remind one of light in the space.
life and how ocean is the cradle of life.
Formal Work Space - Studio Hall

5. Colours and Meaning of Colour 6. Materials

● Blue colour is used in formal spaces, reception areas, Manager’s ● Wall textures often use coconut shell fibers to smooth textured mud
Lounge as it portrays more conservative nature. plaster. They work well in contrast giving variable tactility through
different spaces.
● Cool colours coupled with light cream and white colours create
● Contrast is also observed in Smooth polished marble flooring to
reflective spaces that create a larger appearance for the volume. textured grooves and coconut shell mosaic on walls. Parametric
bamboo railing vs sculptural concrete staircase.
Holistic Design and Product Detailing

Overhang Detail Work-desk Details

● The landscape spillout manifests into stepped terraces following ● The landscape spillout manifests into stepped terraces following
the topography where community gardening and composting can the topography where community gardening and composting can
happen. happen.
● The Stepped Wetland Ponds are created adjacent to it that lie in the ● The Stepped Wetland Ponds are created adjacent to it that lie in the
valley of the site thus appreciates the natural water drainage valley of the site thus appreciates the natural water drainage
pattern of site. pattern of site.
Conclusion

● Process:
Major learning was to spiritually immerse myself in the design
process and work intuitively on the space design.
I also learnt how to naturally let spaces be shaped instead of
forcing elements

● Humane Design:
I learnt to imagine myself in the fabric of the Building while
Designing it. Thus I was able to perceive the design
holistically and design for the users.

● Connect with Nature

It is very important to have a connection with nature in
today’s time. Being sensitive to the context and designing
with natural elements was a major learning

● Abstraction of Motifs
Abstraction of motifs creates sensitive spaces that are
rooted to the context’s culture and social fabric.
Thus creating artistic spaces was a learning.

● Function and Form:

I learnt how to create organic forms that are very much
functional. All the forms are aesthetic and functional and
nothing in the Design is a gimmick.