Special Challenges/Unusual Characteristics:
Although certain traditional design elements are commonplace in many temples, the manner of how these elements are combined, and especially in the western culture, made this project challenging.  Examples of the necessary design elements are evident in the strict orientation of the primary shrine facing the rising sun toward the east (this represents entering the temporal world to eternity), fundamental square and circular geometries represent purity, and symbolism of rising mountains in the design of the spires and towers.   The building’s fundamental form expresses the progression of knowledge and dedication with the tallest point (dome 4) being located directly over the Deity Krishna.  Incorporation of these features while maintaining a sense of symmetry was accomplished. 

Fitting these design elements into the project design (including site design, building design, colors/textures, and landscaping) all needed to culminate in a project that would be approved through the Town of Apple Valley, CA.  Despite the sponsor’s best efforts, the project was initially rejected at public hearings.  Only after extensive community education regarding the cultural importance of this “place” and the symbolism expressed in the architecture did the sponsors receive overwhelming community support, and the project finally gain entitlement approvals.

Solution/Design:
To assure our interpretation of the Hindu Temple design philosophy was sound, an internationally recognized Swami was engaged to ensure the completed design would be a recognized entity; incidentally, this is the only Hindu Temple developed between Riverside, CA and Las Vegas, NV.  The Swami evaluated the selection of the 2.4 acre site, views and orientation, and building design.  A particularly important design feature was the strategically located clerestory window calculated and placed to allow direct sunlight into the deities from the correct solar orientation.  Other design features included the powerful pure forms of circles and squares which shaped the fundamental floor plate, alignment of the ease-west axis to and through the sanctuary, and the adoption of transitional spaces in the plan, i.e. design features representing shade (materials and proximity of spires to vertical plane surfaces), water (colors, texture & dynamic flow), and the mountains (soaring roof elements).  Consideration to community scale of elements were studied.

Materials used in the interior finishes of the Temple were mined from religiously approved sites in India, which include the marble and granite found in the flooring and columns.  All Deity statues were hand carved from solid stone and shipped from India as well. The landscaping was designed using drought tolerant materials, incorporating eastern philosophies and western technologies, e.g. low-flow modern drip irrigation systems, selection and placement of drought-tolerant planting materials, and natural shading elements.