Chapel Sketchup Model

This weekend I learned how to use Sketchup and recreated my eighth inch massing model so that I could get accurate views of my elevations. This is important because from plan, my chapel looks extremely irregular and unaesthetic, but my design works best from ground views. The key element to my design is a dominant union of two wooden towers by a second level glass/steel catwalk. The other buildings (office, classroom, chapel, side chapel, main lobby) are placed in the context of this structure, focusing mainly on strategic circulation and overall massing balance.

This is an elevation from the main entryway into the building. The entrance to the right is into the main lobby, which leads straight into the side chapel (right tower) and the main chapel behind it. The entrance to the left leads you into the classroom/playground and the office space. The space between the two walkways is a sloped wall that will function as my beloved detail.

Here is roughly the same view from a bird's eye to see the structure and balance:

And here is a view from the other side of the building, which shows the large V-shaped glass wall of the chapel, which gives a pure view of the ocean and the Sutro baths area. There are two exits on this side of the chapel (another one back to the street) which allow the visitors to access trails by the coast if they so desire. The time of day in this view is morning, but as this chapel is on the west coast it is perhaps reasonable to have some worship services during the afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the ocean.

Finally, here is a view of the model from roughly the right site location on Google Earth, right on top of the existing parking lot. this will give the chapel the best view of the coast and ocean, while keeping the entryway relatively close to the road.

Today I will be working on a quarter inch model for just the chapel, as well as a section cut of one of the towers. If I have time, I will begin to work out a detailed floor plan for the whole building as well. If you have questions or comments feel free to reply below or email me at derekouyang@gmail.com