The chapel project has been extremely rewarding for me. Looking back on where I began, I have learned so much about the design process and can really appreciate the importance iteration and editing. One of my main goals for this assignment was to create a rich and spiritual experience for its visitors that encouraged inward reflection and thought as well as fostered a connection with the surrounding environment.
I set out to achieve this inward experience through the expressive lighting of my main chapel. As you can see from the photographs, the slit through the center of the roof points dramatically to the point of the triangle, focusing all attention on the minister. The congregation faces away from the ocean views, emphasizing this connection with the spiritual and turning away from the outside world. The wall behind the minister allows light in from behind in order to create a sacred effect
The side chapel, conversely, provides an outward experience for visitors. I envisioned the chapel as a place where people could go and reflect while connecting with the outside world. The beloved detail, a window that drops down from the slit in the roof and continues on the floor on the interior of the chapel (see photo) allows the view of the ocean into the chapel and is meant to inspire it inhabitants.
For the overall siting of my chapel, I put a lot of thought into how I wanted to really embed my chapel in the site. I decided that I wanted the tip of the triangle to really feel embedded in the land, and the chapel would rise up out of the land as you get closer to the ocean. Additionally, I sunk the office 3 feet into the site to maintain the ceiling height but ensure that the chapel was the main event. I also thought this would create a sense of ease and security for those seeking private counsel from the minister. Descending stairs would allow them to collect their thoughts and allow them to feel grounded.
I would say that my main themes of my design are
1) The triangular geometry of my buildings
Many of our visiting critics mentioned how the first thing that struck them about my project was its geometrical shape. Hierarchically, I wanted to en
sure the chapel would be the main focus. I did this through making it the largest building and designing an isosceles triangle. I also made sure that the roof was light and airy, while the roof of the office would be thicker and heavier. I also wanted the point of the triangle to be something that would interest people and draw visitors into the lobby. I kept the entrance of the lobby as a large glass wall to ensure visitors knew where to enter. The office, right triangle that is separated from the chapel and lobby, is a right triangle that is meant to emphasize the triangular shape of the chapel. Additionally, the Zen Vista, a triangular 'deck' platform that juts off the cliff, mirrors the triangular shape.
2) The slit that runs through the roof of the chapel. In the main chapel, the expressive lighting points directly and dramatically to
the minister. In the side chapel, the slit points out to the beautiful view and folds down onto the ground, creating my beloved detail. I was really inspired by Tadao Ando and how he treated light as a material in itself. The subtle slits that allow light to enter his room really inspired me when I was designing the chapel.
If I were to continue refining the project, I would put a lot of thought into the detailing of some of the walls. Particularly on the way to the zen vista, I think skeletal elements in the walls would enrich the overall journey.
Note-Unfortunately, by nature of my triangular design, it was difficult to photograph the lighting effect from the inside of the chapel.
Thank you to Glen, Patti and everyone in the class for such a wonderful and quarter!
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