The Great Lotus Stupa at Lumbini is a complete project consisting of not only regular components like buildings, landscaping works and required building services but also art and craft works of all kinds, such as traditional paintings, cement carving, metal craft and stone sculptures. Being of a religious nature, constant guidance and strict norms had to be followed. In addition, there was constant interaction with the owner throughout the project. The quality of the materials used as well as the construction of all the components has been given equal importance and attention.
The Stupa
Designed as one entity, the Great Lotus Stupa is a religious monument with a combination of the Gompa and the Stupa. Vividly painted as per the Drigung Kagyud tradition, the Stupa with brass ornaments is clad with Italian marble. A gold plated pinnacle rests on a column-free colorful meditation hall. The monument rests on a gravel pile confined by concrete piles. This system has been adopted to release the pore water pressure which is bound to develop during an earthquake, resulting in subsoil liquefaction and consequent settlement of the structure. The main stupa has been raised three meters above the floodplain level recorded till date in Lumbini. A flawless lightening arrester and stormwater drainage system has also been incorporated. Except for some wood carving at the entrance door, no other inflammable materials have been used in the construction. The exclusive paintings in the interior of the hall with the dome roof punctured at three places to get diffused light, give a meditative environment.
Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation facilities for the complex are located in the north, east and west along with the kitchen block at the northeast corner. The design of these facilities adds to the final environment generated by these buildings All these buildings are a single story, slope-roofed with or without attic space. Proper air circulation has been ensured in the hot and humid climate by increasing the roof height which also adds to the aesthetic beauty of the building. The plinth has been raised in all these buildings so that the air gap between the suspended floor and the graveled ground restricts entry of insects as well as damp rising during monsoon. These buildings are designed in Newari style architecture with the essence of a modern touch for easier maintenance. Although the selection of the quality of construction material for the different blocks has been done according to the hierarchy of the user, the quality of finishing material in any block is above average. The choice of materials and trained workers along with the guidance of the experts has produced a flawless services system in the buildings.
Site Development
The boundary wall topped with 108 stupas reflects the environment enclosed within. As shown by the colorful Tibetan style main entry gate as well as the entrance yard stone paving and the inviting approach to the stupa, equal attention has been devoted to every detail of the site development works. The red sandstone paving with Dholpur stone border in the peripheral walkway, called parikrama, is a gesture of warm invitation to all those visiting The Great Lotus Stupa. The channelized rainwater drain forming the valley within the landscape, which finally discharges into the peripheral concrete drain shows the systematic approach in the site plan. As is evident with all the materials, a lot of hard work has been done from design to material selection to the final placement of each at the appropriate places.
Landscaping
The overall project was designed incorporating the landscape at the conceptual stage and hence the form of the building was thus created. Landscaping works were given equal priority as these structures are the elements that create the desired environment. Water-bodies in three different entrance courts and the entry gate with fountains depict the offering to Lord Buddha. With the prayer wheel at the center, the four corners of the plot have been treated to represent the cultures of four different Buddhist practicing areas: Nepalese in the North-East, Chinese in the South-East, Tibetan in the South-West and Thai in the North-West. Landscaping elements like ground cover, stone paving, paver blocks with grass, boulders, gravels, stone slabs, flowering plants, bushes, and trees have been critically used to create a tranquil atmosphere. In the middle of these landscaping elements are placed various activities of the Lord Buddha. The environment thus achieved has resulted in creating a unique project within Lumbini.
Constructions Aspects
The Great Lotus Stupa was a unique fast-track type project of which the Nepalese team involved had little or no experience. It was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, under the direct supervision of Mr. Ferdinand Rinchen Phuntsok, an experienced Stupa builder with a thorough knowledge of the project and understanding of the local context, it was possible to complete it a year ahead of schedule.
Prior to the commencement of the construction activities, the importance of the religious aspect in the project was briefed to the entire engineering and supervisory team as well as the supportive staff. The construction sequence and mythology of Stupa construction were thoroughly discussed and milestones for different stages of construction were established as per the religious calendar. Periodic briefings by the Executive Director on the different stages of the construction and its relation with the life of Buddha made the workers morally submissive to the project and morale was always high. Despite hurdles caused by incidences like the Royal Palace massacre, the Maoist insurgency, World Trade Center attack, frequent strikes by agitating parties and disruption of highways due to landslides, construction work was not stopped throughout its period. Minute planning and monitoring was the key to keep continuity inv the project progress. A well-equipped laboratory was established within the project premise so that the entire work could be carried out under strict quality control guidelines. Most of the construction activities were carried out by skilled craft persons and workers from different parts of Nepal. Woodcarvers, coppersmiths, metal sculptors and artists were from Patan and Kathmandu who stayed in Lumbini for more than a year. Proper accommodation facilities were provided for all project staff as well as outsource workers, which helped to carry out extended hours of work for many months.
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