SIKH INSTITUTE OF FRESNO
In collaboration with Mohinder Singh Datta, AIA, this is the first phase of a four phase masterplan consisting of 80,000 square feet. The program includes temporary worship hall, dining hall, educational center, library, youth center, and medical office clinic.
The design is to represent the modern Sikh community of Fresno and is directed towards attracting the youth to the site and forming bonds with their cultural heritage while maintaining a unique place to visit. The contemporary design substitutes pyrimidical skylights for the traditional domes and represents the 10 Gurus of the Sikh religion. The "Khanda", sikh symbol, is placed around the building to reinforce its identity and religious symbol. The scheme offers covered verandahs to provide outdoor areas for gathering and ciruclation while maintaining shade and coolness year round in the high temperature climate of Fresno.
The project is in building permit and hopes to be finished and occuppied by the year 2008. It consists of wood framing with applied stucco exterior, and steel metal works.
