‘I have seen all places, but none can compare to you’: Classifying gurdwara architecture in the Sikh diaspora

While Sikh diaspora studies are extensive, architectural variations of gurdwaras remain underexamined. This article addresses this gap by extending Myrvold's (2007) taxonomy through the integration of ‘iconicity' and ‘iconic aspiration' with the geographical concept of ‘infrasecular spaces.’ I propose a tripartite framework: Iconic gurdwaras, replicating traditional Punjabi forms; Iconic aspiration gurdwaras, adapting traditional motifs to local urban constraints; and Infrasecular gurdwaras, occupying repurposed buildings. This typology analyzes the nexus between social function and material form, offering a versatile tool for examining architectural evolution across diverse diasporic religious landscapes.