Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center of America NY
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

Page 65

Conceptualization and Site Selection
In the year 2000, the planning process to give shape to a new temple began. The first question was where to build the temple that would fulfill the growing needs of the community. Several factors were considered in the site selection process, namely the need to accommodate large groups, represent various sects, and provide many facilities under one roof. Other factors included: • Current site of temple is an approved Zone area for a place of worship. This facilitated the
approval of the plans by the City. • The property was fully paid for. • The temple site is centrally located for easy access by public transportation, • The site is in a safe area due to other religious institutions nearby. • Religious tradition to build a new temple on an existing temple site.
Design and Planning
BUILDING PLANS
Designing a temple blueprint for construction in the middle of a city like New York was an intricate process. A number of constraints, apposing architecture, and religious factors had to be balanced. Some constraints, for example, included having only a limited amount of floor space and having to comply with city and fire department laws that imposed serious restrictions on designing the internal space. Since the floor space was horizontally limited, the natural solution was to create floor space vertically. Vertical design also allowed the construction committee to plan space on the third and fourth floors to accommodate different Jain beliefs. Another important factor in the design process was to provide space for the movement of people to be able to pray according to their religious tradition. Sen Architects firm was appointed for the project.
Award of Construction Contracts
After the blueprints for the temple were finalized, the next big task was to award the construction contract to a capable firm who could incorporate their construction expertise with religious requirements and work with the other subcontractors. A number of potential contractors were identified. An RFB (Request for Bid) was floated. The RFB incorporated our requirements of qualifications, experience, and cityapproved blueprints they were to comply with. The Bids were reviewed by the construction committee, and after extensive rounds of discussion and comparative evaluation, Magnetic Construction was awarded the contract to be our general contractor, Ark System Electric was to be the Electric contractor, and Medco Plumbing was to be the HVAC contractor.