The Grand Halls of the Enlightened is the governmental seat of the
The Scions, the ruling body of the
Llucav Technocracy. It also serves as a mausoleum and memorial building dedicated to the preservation and public display of the
Enlightened — prominent members of their society granted deific status after their death.
Etymology & Definition
The Grand Halls of the Enlightened is the official name of the landmark, but the alternative name ‘The Crown of Llucav’ sees nearly as much use in common mouth within the technocracy.
This alternate honorific isn’t just a descriptor pointing to its architectural design, or the way it looms above the rest of the city. Rather it tells of its cultural significance as a place of reverence and historical reminiscence. And of its place in legend as the founding location of the entire technocracy — of being the presumed landing spot of the first
thöllian technosophum exiles led by
Elisjanre Llucav.
Structure & Layout
Exterior
The Grand Halls of the Enlightened is a colossal piece of architecture made of polished metal and multi-colored glass. The exterior of the original central hall and wings feature the highly dramatic steeple and spiral designs and motifs often encountered in official buildings raised early in the technocracy’s history. Newer wings tend to be built with less embellishment, but are still required to follow the main architectural shape and style.Interior
In stark contrast to the exterior, the interior halls are airy and modest affairs. The architecture is much rounder and softer in style, and decoration restricted to subtle patterns and pale colors. The design choice is meant to not make the architecture itself intrude upon visitors and draw attention away from the main attraction: the many, many displays of historical figures lining the walls.The Enlightened
Every display contains a clear-glass vat, encased in carved stone and placed on a slightly raised pedestal, containing the preserved remains of the Enlightened wearing their most iconic outfit/armor and any relics of significance they may have carried.
A large woven tapestry hangs on the wall behind it, depicting a scene from the most significant historical event they were a part of. Positioned in front of the display — within reach of visitors — is a lectern detailing the individual’s name, position in society at the point of their death, and an embedded reckoner containing records of their life and deeds that can either be displayed on a screen or read aloud.
Alterations
The building has been expanded with new wings several times since its founding, both to cater to expansion in governmental function and to grant more space for its mausoleum. Such projects are typically planned far in advance as they’ve long since run out of any available free space to build fresh on and will need to rely on acquiring and emptying already settled areas. Building already existing in such acquired areas are first evaluated if rebuilding and incorporation is sufficient, but will end up being demolished if not.
Geography
The Grand Halls of the Enlightened is the nexus of the world
Llucav’s capital city of
Meina. It sits elevated high above the surrounding towers and spires, making it easy to spot from anywhere in and around the city.
A wonderful building, one I would love to see. It's understandable that it will probably never be completed, depending on how quickly or slowly the process of becoming an enlightened being takes. I like that behind each enlightened being there's a tapestry telling the story, and that you can also learn more about them via a calculating machine. It's a great mix for a modern sacred building.