QALANDAR SHAOOR: A Sufi Campus

Abstract

The spiritual aspect of Islam, 'tariqah'1 is manifested in the practice of Sufism, led by Sufi Sheikh2 in different groups known as Sufi orders. The centers of the practices have been the residing place of the saint known as 'khanqah'. However, in current time, Sufi gatherings and practices have reduced to small zones and have not maintained their connection with architecture. The aim of the thesis is to understand the functional, physical and experiential qualities that contribute in making a spiritual environment. The research is grounded in the practices of a Sufi order, Azeemia, fused with the historical model of khanqah. This sets a course of action for the programmatic sequence of a Sufi campus for learning and living, while positioning the primary ritual of the Azeemia order, meditation, as the overarching theme of design process. As a metaphor of meditation, architecture reflects a metaphysical journey from the physical realm to the spiritual realm. Sensory experiences are used as tools to create micro places. The experience immerses the devoted body in the spirit of the place hence disconnecting from the material world. In physicality architecture is essential and minimal reflecting the Sufi beliefs.