journal d'une transition

754

d- A quality of aggressiveness. e- Giving a definite character to Matrimandir, partial and exclusive (i.e. not allowing for individual discovery and experience of the truth and power of Matrimandir, of what the sphere stands for).

History.

. The actual space-frame was built for the purpose of supporting the double ferro cement shell, including fixtures for the discs.

. Before the work was started on the space-frame, 7 years ago, the question had arisen to replace it with a tubular structure, lighter and quicker to construct, which could support a translucent polyester shell bearing the discs. . However, the choice was made to continue following the plans provided all along by the Structural Engineering Research Corporation, Madras. The anchoring rods had all along been fixed into the ribs sides for that purpose. . A feeling generally shared at that time was that there was a material incompatibility between the body of concrete of Matrimandir and a light metallic structure. . Recently, once the space-frame was nearly completed, its very structure of triangular openings all over the sphere seemed to provide a new opportunity to consider again the possibility of translucency, by filling these openings with some material that would let the light through.

. Simultaneously, the design of the discs and petals returned as a main option.

. Other alternatives, again using the opportunity of the triangular space-frame, are being studied, one of which presents a multi-faceted sphere.

Cost and duration of the remaining works.

Our reference in this matter is the necessity for Auroville to have Matrimandir built as soon as possible.

However, regarding any option in terms of designs and materials, it still largely depends on our capacity to organise and unite in the effort of completion. For instance, the building of the space-frame might possibly have been done in a much shorter time. A: The design with polyester elements and discs may be materialised sooner than the planned ferro cement double shell. Yet as a design it implies the further construction of the 12 petals. B: The temporal option of completing the Chamber first, as our priority (installation of the crystal globe, setting of the marble slabs on the walls, carpeting and finishing) regardless of the outer cover, implies technically that it will then be impossible to go on with the actual work of building the double shell.”