Ortolana 30, 229 AC.

Documentary and interview elements produced by The Architectural Media Collective of Surakosai.

Mereth and the specialists of the Family Kahn architecture firm designed a restaurant for the residents, students, and visitors of the Theophoric Institute. At first, the food was rather simple, but now it is prepared by a multi-ethnic team of skilled gourmet cooks. The restaurant is on the top floor and looks out over the city and the bay. In good weather diners can sit outside on the terrace, which is the top of the "castle turret." The establishment is named "Sharbel's," after a famous theophore of the last century who conducted much of his (spying) business while sitting in his favorite eatery.

The amphitheater, here portrayed at twilight, can be used for all sorts of gatherings and entertainments, from concerts to picnics to martial arts exhibitions. The Theophoric Institute tends not to hold too many ceremonies, since students come as individuals on their own schedule rather than in large year classes. But there are some events that would justify using the amphitheater, such as seasonal celebrations like the Aurian New Year or the Keilian Winter Solstice festival. With a Khemaru director as well as architect, the Khemaru Festival of the Falling Stars, which is held at the end of summer, is now observed there.

Announcement as in the last entry: All the images of this Mereth Kahn series and some of the explanatory text are now published in a privately printed booklet. It is available from the Noantri Chronicler. E-mail Pyracantha at: volcannah@yahoo.com.

Posted at 10:57 pm | link

Anthimia 27, 229 AC.

Documentary and interview elements produced by The Architectural Media Collective of Surakosai.

Director Tanheu personally requested a meditation courtyard for the benefit of Institute workers and visitors. Water elements were important in Mereth Kahn's designs for the Theophoric Institute at Surakosai. Clear pools have a calming effect for those who lead stressful lives, even if these are not for swimming or wading. This meditation courtyard, or psychic cloister, is at the back of the "Castle," or main building. It's kept as a quiet sanctuary for people to rest for a while during their working hours. "Retained effects" and nouetic baffles ensure psychic silence and privacy for cloister visitors.

Inside the Institute's atrium is an open staircase which, on its way to the second floor, leads to an elevated garden "sitting room" where guests and regulars can enjoy a restful waterfall, reflecting pool, and plants. The "natural" stone cliffside and plants conceal a big central pier which contains engineering and maintenance works as well as an elevator. The waterfall helps keep the interior air fresh and provides a masking sound for conversations in the sitting room. The plants are actually in containers which are maintained by the garden staff. The waterfall flow can be regulated or even shut off if necessary.

Interesting announcement: All the images of this Mereth Kahn series and some of the explanatory text are now published in a privately printed booklet. It is available from the Noantri Chronicler. E-mail Pyracantha at: volcannah@yahoo.com.

Posted at 1:51 am | link

Anthimia 2, 229 AC.

Documentary and interview elements produced by The Architectural Media Collective of Surakosai.

Mereth originally designed the "Little Master's House" for Enlil, who was supposed to occupy it as the director of the Institute. But Enlil retired in 217, during the building of the campus, and decided to live at "Theophore House" in Acragas, the same building whose destruction was such a media event last year. Enlil's successor was his assistant and longtime apprentice, Tanheu the physicist, whose career as a scientist was both brilliant and controversial. Tanheu's wife had recently died after a long illness, and he decided to move to the campus and occupy the secluded Little Master's House, which was built to house only a single person or a couple. From there he tirelessly directed the Institute during the rest of the building and the move to the new complex. He is still Director, and he still occupies the Little Master's House, 12 years later, along with three cats.

Posted at 1:44 am | link

Ersta 26, 229 AC.

Documentary and interview elements produced by The Architectural Media Collective of Surakosai.

The staff apartments (above) and the Masters' houses (one of them pictured below) were built by Keilian contractors and are in a traditional Keilian style. Mereth and his associates made sure that the interiors had all the modern conveniences that sophisticated residents would need. But by keeping the outsides traditional, the design gave the residential areas of the Institute the appearance of a local village, rather than a colony of another culture imposed on the area. This was a politically astute gesture of respect towards the Keilian community, and was also an adaptation of Director Tanheu's concept of the Institute as a village in the hills, without the disadvantages of true rustic living.

Posted at 1:06 am | link

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