Viral's Chapel Project

I have had a slow start to the chapel project. I think the freedom of this project has made it relatively difficult for me to come up with a thoughtful design. Since the start of the project, I wanted to have a very structured design, one that would lend itself well to the programatic requirements. In class, when we discusses the Modernist vs Post Modernist styles of architecture, the Modernists resonated most with me. I wanted every nook of my buildings to serve some functional purpose. Instead of a cluster of buildings, I wanted a strong organizational structure that the rooms or buildings would sit within. For this reason, I started off with a rectangle from which I carved out rooms. When doing this, I realized that I was really intrigued by the idea of creating a long walkway or corridor from which occupants would enter the chapel. This would allow the occupants to undergo an experience before reaching the chapel. This, combined with with my desire to have an organized cluster of buildings lead me to explore several variations seen below.

The design that I produced takes components from each of my trial models. I have two separate structures, one housing the classrooms and the office upstairs, and the other housing the chapel. Both structures are connected by an elegant raised walkway that allows the occupants the experience the grandeur of the chapel. My chapel is situated in a box within a box. My idea is to have a perforated concrete chapel surrounded by a glass box that would 1. allow for protection from the weather 2. while also allowing in ample sunlight 3. and gorgeous views. The chapel and lobby/classroom/office structure all fit within an overall rectangle, best seen in plan view or from one of the sides. Also, I wanted to create an entry way to the chapel that would block the street noise, and infrastructure. For that reason, occupants will enter the lobby area and then proceed onwards to the chapel by following the path in front. When past the lobby, that structure will shield the occupants from the street and give them a sense that they have entered a completely differ't space.

My design will stay simple and respect the geometry of the structures. My hope is that by creating a simple and refined structure, I will be able to evoke a sense of peace and calm. My next few steps will be to really thing through some of the details of the structure. I need to think of what the envelope will look like, what the inside of the chapel will be etc.