PROJECT Chapel of Collection
LOCATION Port Angeles, Washignton, USA
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 5/12/2016
PROJECT CATEGORY Community College / Design Project
PROJECT TYPE Studio
ENTRANT James Frank
TEAM MEMBERS
SCHOOL Anne Arundel Community College
FACULTY SPONSOR Michael Ryan, Professor / Architecture
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
The project is a non-denominational worship and meditation space set in a natural environment of the students’ choice. The goal is to develop a space that is universal and encourages connections between individuals and the between individuals and the environment. The design should strive to create a sense of spirituality, peace and contemplation through light, scale, form and nature. Designs should demonstrate a responsible relationship with the environment through the use of sustainable and recycled materials and alternative energy sources. The complex is to be used by all for worship and a variety of structured activities including religious services, weddings, funerals, memorial services, rites of passage and individual contemplation. Site considerations include the relationship of the chapel to its natural surroundings, site topography, orientation relative to environmental and landscape features, and the nature of the procession from the outside to the chapel.
STUDENT'S STATEMENT
The assignment was to design an interfaith chapel that guided patrons from portal entry to path and finally to arrival at the chapel. The location was to be set in a National Park and derive inspiration from the unique feature of the surrounding environment. Enormous driftwood logs collect in the protective cove formed by Cedar Creek from the changing tides creating different gathering areas for these logs. This becomes the concept, expressing tidal forces that collect the logs. The portal, made of existing logs from the cove, signifies the beginning of the collection and serves as the entrance into the cove. The path from portal to entrance of the chapel is surrounded by high and dense trees, furthering the concept of the cove and protection. The façade and roof line were designed to create a sense of collecting elements to form a meaningful and protective space. Once in the lobby, one will experience the raised clerestory roof to express the tall surroundings of the cove while the south facing wall uses stepped glass panels as one heads toward the chapel, thus further emphasizing the idea of collecting in a protected space. Appealing to sustainability, the chapel uses rainwater collection and filtration to help achieve L.E.E.D. gold goal. The F.S.C. certified heavy timber support for the building emphasizes the symbolism of the protection and security that is found in the covering trees of the cove. The large wooden beams and columns connect and intersect at geometrically calculated locations creating the sense of collection in the center of the chapel. Clerestories bring natural light into the chapel, symbolizing holes in the forest canopy. The wood interior will help to softly reflect that light and create a solemn and dimly lit space for reflection and collection.
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1: Exterior Rendering
IMAGE 2: Rendering of Section showing roof support
IMAGE 3: Interior view of entrance into Chapel
IMAGE 4: Roof support layout
IMAGE 5: Model of entry portal
IMAGE 6:
IMAGE 7:
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Chapel of Collection
Category
AIA Maryland Student Design Awards > Community College > Community College / Design Project
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