Way-finding | Signage design | Artwork & installations | Experiential graphic design XGD
Keywords:
Buddhism, iconography, narrative, materiality, textures, local materials
Brief:
The Marasa-Sarovar Premiere is a unique thematic hotel in Bodhgaya, which sees thousands of Buddhist pilgrims visit each year from across the world. Designed by SJK Architects, Mumbai, the hotel’s architectural style draws inspiration from local architectural elements, materials and techniques that results in minimal and meditative spaces across the complex. We were commissioned to design the wayfinding and signage for the hotel, as well as installations that were artistic interpretations of Buddhist concepts such as the Vajradhatu Mandala and the five wisdoms of Buddhism – Abhaya, Dharmachakra, Varada, Dhyana and Bhumisparsha.
The amenities of the hotel are planned based on the cardinal directions associated with the 5 Dhyani Buddhas and the Vajradhatu Mandala – both important concepts in Buddhist practice & theology. We created a large mandala installation in the lobby as a map that lets visitors visualise and understand the underlying concept behind the space planning in a single glance. Once visitors have seen the mandala they are better able to appreciate the theme-based amenities, named after the five wisdoms of Buddhism, ‘Abhaya’ (Fearlessness), ‘Bhumisparsha’ (One with the Earth), ‘Dhyana’ (Unity with Oneself), ‘Varada’ (Giving and Sharing) and ‘Dharmachakra’ (Wisdom of Dharma).
We developed a minimal iconography for a selection of symbols associated with the Dhyani Buddhas. In particular, the 5 elements: earth, fire, water, wind and space, which were abstracted to create unique patterns. Along with other symbols, these were used in the main Vajradhatu Mandala in the lobby and the signage for the café, banquet, reception, pool court and lounge.
Identification and wayfinding signage were minimal copper signs that were used across the main hotel block as well as the room signs in the residential blocks of the resort.
Identification and wayfinding signage were minimal copper signs that were used across the main hotel block as well as the room signs in the residential blocks of the resort.
The residential blocks are located across a water body from the main hotel block and a series of wayfinding elements, including stone lanterns and wall plaques guide the visitor to their lotus-themed blocks.
The blocks are named after the different coloured lotuses associated with the 5 Dhyani Buddhas, each of which represents a different set of ideals.
The residential blocks are located across a water body from the main hotel block and a series of wayfinding elements, including stone lanterns and wall plaques guide the visitor to their lotus-themed blocks.
The blocks are named after the different coloured lotuses associated with the 5 Dhyani Buddhas, each of which represents a different set of ideals.
The outcome of the project was a seamless narrative created by the various elements of signage, art and graphics, which visually bind the spaces together. Beyond guiding guests across physical spaces, the elements also help create a mental map of some of the core ideas of Buddhism.
Client — Marasa Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
Scope:
Way-finding
Signage design
Artwork & Installations
Experiential graphic design XGD
Team:
Design — Rachita Sareen
Photography — SJK Architects, Rachita Sareen
Client — Marasa Hotels Pvt. Ltd.
Scope:
Way-finding
Signage design
Artwork & Installations
Experiential graphic design XGD
Team:
Design — Rachita Sareen
Photography — SJK Architects, Rachita Sareen