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.

My Role

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.

Timeline

2 Weeks

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)

Solution

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.

Final Product