Back to results

Virginia Tech

In Search of Equilibrium: Containers of Light

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The goal of this thesis is to find that point of equilibrium in a composition where nothing can be added and nothing can be taken away. Each and every element is vital and any addition or subtraction will disturb this equilibrium. The nature of this investigation requires a program where simplicity is a virtue. The word temple is derived from 'temnere', which means to cut, to take away. I understand this as a process of subtracting to create meaning out of something that would otherwise have been inert matter. The program proposes a sequence of three distinct spaces for contemplation, and welcomes people of any faith. While it is impossible to meet the exact requirements of each religion, there is a common thread that ties all sacred spaces together. The goal of this project is to create a silent meditative environment by bringing into play essential qualities of the space itself such as material and light.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Architecture
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Architecture
Department dc:contributor.department
Architecture
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2004

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Kamat, Smruti
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Schnoedt, Heinrich
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Galloway, William U.
  • Schwaen, Regin

Subjects

dc:subject × 9

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-08302005-064007
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/34846

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Kamat, Smruti. In Search of Equilibrium: Containers of Light. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/34846