Temple Master Plan

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UPDATE 10/17/2006:

The following PowerPoint charts describe the temple plans which will be debated/finalized during the October 19, 2006 special BOT meeting: ppt_file

UPDATE 09/27/2006:

Master Plan work is continuing. The conceptual drawings of the temple elevations are being created. The following side and front elevations are available. Please rotate the picture counter clockwise once after it opens in Acrobat Reader (under "View" menu).

UPDATE 04/01/2006:

Master Plan work has continued and the updated site plan, first floor, and second floor are available for your viewing and comments. A dramatic bird's eye view of the temple grounds is also provides perspective on the relationship between the buildings.

Letter from the President

Dear Fellow Trustees of NASSTA,

For the last several months, we have been engaging professional architects to create a Master Plan and to develop design concepts for our temple. We want to finalize the Master Plan and design concepts by October 30, 2005. Together, we can move forward with these efforts and realize the dream of a full-fledged Sai temple in Atlanta.

This communication is intended to accomplish two things:

Communicate with you the broad outline of the Master Plan, and floor layout concepts.
Seek your feedback on this plan.

Please read carefully through this letter and also refer to the attached architect drawings.

Every Trustee’s opinion counts, and this is an earnest attempt to reach out to you and receive your input. We will be sending this material via e-mail, postal mail and also will be calling you (where phone numbers are available) to discuss this subject and gather your feedback.

The attached few pages show pictures of a master plan for the entire 13.5 acre site and the floor plans for the proposed temple. They represent “a viable” use of the NASSTA site, based on several discussions and key considerations – both from architectural and temple design perspective.

Fig. 1 shows a complete view of the NASSTA site and what structures can be built in that site. Fig. 2 shows First Floor Plan; Fig. 3 shows Second Floor Plan; and Fig. 4 shows specific dimensions of various temple areas.

The following are the key features of the temple plan:

Entire temple site will be developed in three phases (details on next page)

Temple structure will consist of two stories, with elevator/handicapped access
First Floor is utility-oriented with areas for library, kitchen, dining, rest rooms etc

Second Floor is the “prayer place” including Sanctum Sanctorum

Adjacent to the temple structure, a multipurpose hall can be located for gatherings/functions.
Parking: About 200 parking spaces (Phase 1 : 127 cars and Phase 2: 78 cars)
Priest Quarters/Meditation Hall can be constructed in the second half of the site.
A sizeable “Main Plaza” can be situated on the east side to be a flower garden and/or a paved brick area. This could also serve as a center stage for a natural amphitheater utilizing existing sloping terrain.

The following subsections provide more details on the key features. Please continue to refer to the attached pages as you read through this.

Design Philosophy

The site development and temple design will reflect Shirdi Sai’s spirituality to create an environment that promotes peace and harmony. In essence the environment should be able to speak to and inspire all of the senses.

Existing Site and Temple

A small wood-trussed structure (approx 1200 square feet) is currently used as the temple. It is located on a 13.5 acre tract of land located at 700 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, Georgia. Site has rugged topography with some steep slopes and wooded vegetation. Two creeks also traverse the site. These creeks are protected by 75 feet buffer zones on either side per applicable federal, state and local water body regulations. Hydrology analysis of the site has indicated that only about 5 acres of 13.5 acres to be developable.

Master Plan Elements and Phasing Concept (Fig. 1)

Site is to be developed in following phases:

Phase 1

Main Temple (1^st floor -4500 sq. ft and 2^nd floor-5500 sq. ft.)
Parking for 127 cars
Main Plaza Development

Phase 2

Multipurpose Hall ( 400 seat capacity)
Parking for 75 cars

Phase 3

Expansion to the main temple
Six apartment units for priests and devotees
Meditation Center (1500 sq. ft.)

First Floor Plan (Fig. 2)

For directional reference Main Plaza shown on the plan is located to the east of main entrance to the temple. Primary access to this level is through the west drop-off/pick up entrance and the south-east elevator/stair tower by the Main Plaza area. This level accommodates west entrance lobby, office, library/exhibition-DVD/Audio room, dining, kitchen, restrooms, shoe racks and feet-wash area. A reflecting pool and an open courtyard will flank the floor on south and north sides.

Second Floor Plan (Fig. 3)

Primary access to this floor is from the Main Plaza on the east side and the south-east elevator/stair tower. Main entry foyer will contain space for information booth, feet-wash and shoe racks. A long (30’x50’) hall will lead to the Sanctum Sanctorum (Sanctuary) on the plan. Baba will be facing east and the entire floor will be designed to be as open as structurally possible with minimal visual obstructions such as walls and columns. The idea is to create space where a devotee can view the Baba from any location on the floor. Future expansion areas are also shown on this floor plan

Second Floor Plan (Fig. 4)

This is the same floor plan as indicated in Fig. 3 with dimensions for various areas.

For any questions you may have and for suggestions/comments please call the temple at (678) 455-7200 or send an email to nassta_president@templeofpeace.org.