3D Printed Mandir (Temple).
A compact, custom-designed 3D printed mandir tailored for a specific space and sunlight orientation.
What I did…!
Product Designer · 3D Modeler · Architect
I led the end-to-end process from measurement and user research to concept sketching, 3D modeling in Fusion 360, and physical fabrication using 3D printing.
Duration
2 Weeks
Overview
This project involved designing and fabricating a personalized, compact 3D-printed mandir (a small prayer shrine) for my roommate optimizing exposure to morning sunlight, and ensure the mandir blended traditional Indian architectural cues with a modern, space-saving design. Using Fusion 360, I translated the idea into a precise, printable model broken into modular parts for efficient assembly.
The Problem
Off-the-Shelf Mandirs Didn't Work
Space and Fit Issues
The east-facing window had very specific spatial constraints in width and depth. Existing products didn’t take advantage of this sunlight or fit within the allotted area without compromising aesthetics or accessibility.
Pain Points
Most available mandirs were either:
Too large or bulky for the limited window space
Poorly dimensioned for the specific deities
Lacking the spiritual touch or aesthetic my roommate desired
Expensive (being a student)
The Solution
Travelogue - A single app to plan, collaborate, and share your journey – online or offline.
Modular, Custom-Fit Design
I designed a compact mandir that fits precisely into the window space. The base, columns, roof, and shikhar were all 3D modeled as separate components to ensure modularity, ease of printing, and tight alignment with measurements.
Sunlight-Aligned Structure
The sloped roof and open-front design allow direct morning sunlight to reach the deities while shielding them from dust and harsh afternoon glare. The orientation is optimized for an east-facing window.hrough community recommendations
Sunlight-Aligned Structure
The sloped roof and open-front design allow direct morning sunlight to reach the deities while shielding them from dust and harsh afternoon glare. The orientation is optimized for an east-facing window.hrough community recommendations
The Final Design
The Final Design
Timelapse Of Fusion 360 Model in making.
Future Opportunities
Material & Finish Exploration
Experiment with wood filament, marble-textured PLA, or even resin printing for a more premium and traditional appearance.
💡 Integrated Features
Add LED lighting, incense holder trays, or even a modular drawer for storing prayer items like diya, agarbatti, and kumkum.
💡 Community Sharing
Refine the design and upload the STL files to platforms like Thingiverse or Printables, offering the open-source mandir to others with similar needs.
Reflections
🧠 Learning Outcome
This project reinforced the power of combining contextual user research with architectural sensibility and modern digital fabrication.
🛕 Cultural Insight
Designing a sacred space is more than spatial problem-solving — it’s about respecting emotion, tradition, and ritual, all within compact constraints.
⚙️ Technical Mastery
Fusion 360 allowed precise control, while the modular print and fit testing emphasized the importance of tolerance calibration in real-world objects.
Ashish Dixit | 2025 | All rights reserved