The United Nations Development Programme contributed nearly one million dollars for preparation of a Master Plan for the development of Lumbini, including numerous engeering and archaeological studies. The plan, which was completed in 1978, has as its objecive to restore an area of about 7.7 kM2, to be known as the Lumbini Garden, centering on the garden and the Ashoka Pillar, with an additional area of 64.5 km2 to be developed in its support. According to architect Kenzo Tange, "the overall intent is to reinforce the symbolic entity of the Lumbini Garden in its simplicity and clarity'.. Development will provide for visitors to Lumbini - pilgrims and tourists - and will also support such complementary activities as residence of monks, research, international meetings and teachings.
 

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Within the plan for the development of Lumbini Garden, there are three main components: The Sacred Garden, Cultural Centre/Monastic Enclaves and New Lumbini Village. The design is oriented north-south, with Lumbini Village and Cultural Centre north, and the focus of the design - the Sacred Garden - to the. south. On either side of the axis towards its southern end are the monastic enclaves. The entire development is tied together by a central link comprised of a walkway and a canal. This central link establishes the solitude and sanctity of the Sacred Garden, with its pillar and spectacular panorama of the Himalaya, and offers pilgrims time and space to prepare themselves as they approach the Sacred Garden.

This complex is located at the intersection of the Siddarthanagar - Taulihawa Road, which is expected to be the principal approach route to Lumbini. As such, the village will serve as the initial reception point for visitors to Lumbini and will include information and orientation facilities, as well as restaurants, telephone office, bank, police and fire stations and restrooms. The Village will also be the location of the administrative offices of the Lumbini complex. Architecturally, the Village is made up in to eight blocks aligned with two parallel arcades. The buildings north of the road will be utilized as the administrative centre, while those south of the road will be occupied by the tourist centre.

The Cultural Center

This area is dedicated to world peace. It is composed of three of the major buildings of the entire Lumbini development. These are Lumbini Museum, Auditorium and Library & Research Institution complex. These buildings are intended to add to the cultural diversity of the activities at Lumbini.

The Lumbini Museum will house relics from the life of Lord Buddha gathered from all over the world. It will also include displays depicting the findings of the archaeological work done in the Sacred Garden and the history of Lumbini. The museum is made up of a central exhibition hall, surrounded by four mezzanine spaces and the ground floor space. The two mezzanine spaces on the west side and ground floor are for administration, workshop and laboratory for archaeological research. All remaining spaces are for the use of the public.

The Auditorium is envisaged as a multi-purpose hall to be used for national and international congresses. It includes balconies for press and observers, as well as a special balcony with annex facilities. The technical facilities of the Auditorium are located in the upper back wall of the hall, which includes booths for nterpreters. The hall carries through the uniquely stylized architectural motif of the Lumbini Project on its four walls, and acoustic considerations have been taken into account in the brickwork design.

The third element of Cultural Centre is the Library & Research Institution complex. This will be a facility dedicated to the study of Buddhism and world peace, operating along the lines of advanced research institutions affiliated with many of the world's foremost universities. Renowned scholars will be invited to Lumbini to study and work with other researchers.

The Monastic Enclave
Two monastic enclaves, one each for the Mahayana and Hinayana schools of Buddhism, will be located along the Central Link, separated by a broad green zone. Within these areas, land will be available for the construction of facilities by other contemplative religious traditions. Buildings of various styles will co-exist inside this zone, owing to the fact that they will be built by groups from various countries and will reflect the traditional style of the nation or religious tradition that builds it. However, some control will be exercised over the buildings so as not to compromise the overall concept of the Master Plan. In order to unify further the various styles, landscaping will be co-ordinated according to the Master Plan. A space known as a Monastic Plaza, made up of circular or semi-circular steps, will be located in the centre of each Monastic Zone. Each plaza will serve as a central gathering point and will have a symbolic sculpture placed in its centre.

The Sacred Garden is the focal point of Lumbini Garden. It symbolizes the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Its form, that of a circle enclosing squares, is a universal symbol of purity and simplicity. The squares are formed by a network of raised walkways between the landscaping and archaeological areas. The Garden is surrounded by a pond and a circular levee. In order to preserve the historical integrity of the location, there will be no construction within the sacred area.

As visitors leave the central link, before entering the Garden, they 'will cross a bridge over the circular levee and the pond which surrounds the Garden, symbolically leaving the everyday world for the sanctified

ground of the birthplace. In keeping with the spirit and simple approach of Buddhism, there will be no temple or monument, but simply a garden kept much as it was when Lord Buddha was born. Elevated walkways will lead visitors through the ancient stupas and construction as revealed by archaeological work.