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model of the temple, 1992
elevation, Adam Hardy, 1993
Perspective of the proposed temple, Adam Hardy 1993
View from east, 2010
Sketch for outer gopura with priests’ accommodation, AH 1995
Outer gopura, 2010
Study for multi-purpose hall, AH 1993
Sketches of multi-purpose hall, AH 1993, and the building in 2010
Sketch for gopura, AH 1994
Study for vimana, AH 1994
Main temple section, AH 1994
Main temple interior, 2010
Main temple section, west end, AH 1994
Main temple, west end, 2010; shrines by Sthapati K Dakshinamoorthy
Design Projects
Shri Venkateshwara Temple of the United Kingdom, Oldbury
This project, the first purpose-built south Indian temple in Britain, was granted £3.3 million by the Millennium Commission, and the first phases are now complete. Adam Hardy first became involved in the project in 1998, while the temple Trust was looking for a suitable site, and PRASADA was architectural consultant throughout the early stages of design, working at different times with Associated Architects and Carl Bro Associates, as well as with Sthapati K. Dakshinamoorthy who has been responsible for the shrines and the inner gopura as built.
An ordering principle for the site was the pattern of concentric enclosures seen in the 'temple cities' of south India, though here most of the 'walls' would be landscaping features incorporating paths and changes of level. The 800 m2 main temple would constitute the central 'courtyard', roofed over, with the towers of shrines within appearing above, surrounded by roof lights, through which they would be visible from inside the building.
