The Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) Foundation chose Arup to design the Hindu Heritage Experience (HHE) Centre in Mangarh, Uttar Pradesh.

The HHE is a spiritual centre based on the life and teachings of Jagadguruttam Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj, a significant figure in the Hindu religion. The project delivers an immersive experience that transforms spiritual teachings into an inspirational experiential journey.

An inspirational concept

The masterplan, landscape and buildings use symbolic forms to evoke emotion through the senses of scent, sight, sound and touch to deliver a new civic campus for the philanthropic foundation that owns the site. Charitable operations across the complex include free hospitals, educational facilities, and grain distribution centres for the community.

The complex is made up of two buildings, the main one shaped as a lotus flower and the second resembling two hands coming together in the Namaste gesture. The Lotus will host immersive exhibitions while Namaste will home valuable relics and provide space to study Jagadguru’s teachings.  

We used advanced digital tools to visualise the intricate geometry of the museum, improving buildability, facilitating prefabrication and optimising energy performance. 

Improving buildability through digital design

The geometry of the museum posed interesting challenges. We began by creating a digital twin using advanced modelling, documenting and streamlining every radius and setting the principles for the lotus flower shell and Namaste structure. For simplicity, we repeated patterns where appropriate and introduced symmetry to the shells. 

We simplified the cladding of the structures to allow the client to employ local craftspeople. Working with the structural and parametric team, we produced an algorithm to subdivide the structural shells for individual tiles. This generated 50 families of tile types with a huge variation in dimensions. By recalibrating the parameters of the model, adjusting tolerances and splitting the structure into equal parts, we reduced the number to 20 families of tiles to be replicated across the shells.

CGI of the inside of the Hindu Heritage Experience
We used digital design to help solve complex geometry challenges of the museum.
CGI of an exterior view of the Hindu Heritage Experience
The Lotus will host a series of immersive exhibitions.

Facilitating prefabrication with smart construction

The main contractor, Leighton Asia, was involved throughout RIBA Stage 3 designs, following our digital models and proposing physical mock-ups to aid construction. 

Formwork specialist PERI is using our digital design package to develop the full-size shells and understand how each one connects with others. Working with PERI allowed us to use the formwork to define the geometry and integrate services and structure, saving time during construction and blending digital and analogue elements together. 

Optimising energy performance across the complex

Through passive cooling , the thermal mass of the shell provides a barrier to sun during the day and cools at night, minimising energy use. The design incorporates deep overhangs, indigenous tree species and water to modify microclimatic conditions, providing solar shading in critical areas, along with shelter, dust suppression and cooling.

Photovoltaic solar panels generate clean power, cutting carbon emissions and mitigating against recurring energy shortages in rural India. 

Working as a trusted client advisor

Collaborating closely with JKP Foundation, we developed an inspiring design that communicated the client’s vision and attracted donations to fund the project. We continued as advisors in choosing local teams and are guardians for the design as the project progresses. 

The Hindu Heritage Experience Centre will be a key cultural asset for the people of Mangarh. Woven together with the existing domed gathering space, temple and memorial, the Centre is at the heart of a new civic campus for JKP Foundation.