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INSPIRING
REFERENCE FOR
BEAUTY AND SOCIAL
ASPIRATIONS
The reader can switch back and forth between pages which are beautifully
illustrated, and watch the ‘urban experiment’ take shape. One does not have
to endorse the philosophy of a ‘new consciousness’ to find the symbolism
of Matrimandir, a centring point of a city in a modern-day context of town
planning, curiously compelling.
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55 | 2018
book review |
Auroville Architects ‘Piero was one of the few who knew at that time about the relationship of
Monograph Series
proportions between the Great Pyramid and the Matrimandir...’ writes Doc-
Piero and tor Pingel. Well, that is definitely some food for thought for those of us who
Gloria Cicionesi seek answers for universal harmony versus spatial order. She describes the
Author Mona Doctor Pingel trials and tribulations the pioneers faced when ‘they came to the barren red
Published by Mapin Publishing plateau and had the conviction to follow a dream, who gave their youth to
Pvt. Ltd., 2018 make it what it is today, a green haven with opportunities for all.’ Their jour-
Size 229 x 229 mm neys would not always have been with unflinching confidence.
204 Pages
ISBN 978-93-85360-41-1 The story of the Matrimandir is a significant part of this book, since it signi-
fies Piero’s role in the history of Auroville—he was given the task to execute
its physical and spiritual centre when he was just thirty-six years old. But the
main narrative belongs to the architects’ personal journeys, from their early
years in Europe, their arrival in Auroville in 1968 and the decades of evolu-
tion of their work. Their story is told through an astounding collection of
archival photographs, personal sketches, beautiful drawings, several quotes
and references to other architectural works.
landscape 111
55 | 2018
book review |
It is interesting to see this book bring together the architecture of a commune through
their work. The collection does not follow any categorization of typologies, nor does the
work look very experimental like much of Auroville does. It is best described by Poppo Pin-
gel — ‘There is something inexplicable perceived via the subtlety of the senses in the spa-
tial order of Piero and Gloria’s buildings. This something I try to circumscribe but cannot
describe... the parameters of the space are not verifiable. They are set in simply, like cups
in a cupboard: clear, precise and final, with no discussion required. They fulfil simple inner
needs of the human being, wellbeing, lightness, the sense to spend time in it, and timeless
where mind stands still.’
The book is full of inspiring references for those who seek perfection and
beauty along with deeper social aspirations.
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55 | 2018