Chapel Project - Final Post

The chapel project presented many obstacles. My first concern was developing a successful floor plan that would lay a strong foundation for my models and meet all program requirements. My earlier floor plans used a lot of angles and non-square shapes. However, after many layers of trace and revisiting the program requirements, I felt that going back to simple square rooms was the answer. I am very pleased with my final floor plan, and I feel like the continuing lines and pure shapes make this a good layout for the chapel. Posted below is a picture of my final floor plan.

My next challenge was designing a roof system for the various rooms. I initially aimed at being very creative and made unique roofs for the chapel, side chapel, and office. However, the first critique made me realize that the complexity of the roofs detracted from the importance of the chapel roof. Also, they didn't seem to work together and complement each other. This made me think about what I wanted the roof system to accomplish. I wanted the main chapel roof to grab attention and the side chapel roof to complement the form of the main chapel roof without detracting attention from it. Posted below is a quick study model of an in progress design of my main chapel roof.

After many versions of the main chapel roof, I decided that it would benefit to be simple and to show integration between wall and roof. I liked the idea of a column system and aimed at finding a simple way to make columns an important part of the chapel design, while integrating them with the roof. I used six columns in the main chapel and mirrored them with six more in the lobby. They have a totem pole like feel and seem to work well with the tree line observed at the site. Posted below is a picture of my 1/2" section model that shows part of the column system in the main chapel.

Even though I ultimately deviated from my initial idea for the roof system, I feel like the process was valuable for my final design. The resulting roof system has a simple sloping roof for the main chapel that is complemented be a reverse slope for the side chapel. This allows the two roofs to complement each other, while still giving the most importance to the chapel. Also, the columns come through the roof of the chapel with openings for light around them to create a unique lighting effect. Posted below is a picture of my 1/4" final model for the chapel.

Overall, I found the chapel project very useful and it reinforced the importance of 3D modeling for design development. I like my final result and feel like it was a successful design. The use of curtain wall mixed with thick columns and heavy walls was integral to my project. I also like how the column systems mirror/complement each other. My idea is to have a rock garden east of the lobby, which would help draw people in and guide circulation. I hope everyone likes the final result of my work. Even though the laser cutter broke down, I like how the hand cut models turned out. It was great having you all in class, and I hope you have a great summer. Below is a picture of a 3D view of my revit model for the project.