PROJECT Chapel of Solace
LOCATION P.O. Box 7 Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 5/12/2016
PROJECT CATEGORY Community College / Design Project
PROJECT TYPE Studio
ENTRANT Mathew Yarger
TEAM MEMBERS
SCHOOL Anne Arundel Community College
FACULTY SPONSOR Michael D Ryan, Department Chair / Architecture and Interior Design
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
When overburdened in life the stress can give one a feeling of being compressed, but after removing the burdens relief passes over and keeps us moving to the next task. These feelings are also evident in nature, such as when traversing a cave structure. The rationale of replicating these emotions in a spiritual space were studied through, Parti diagrams, models, and are evident in the path through the portal and while exploring the chapel.
The journey begins when approaching the portal. The spaces are meant to alternate between tight to open plans imposing the emotions felt in the caves. Natural daylighting is evident throughout both structures with multiple clerestory windows. One enters the Chapel through a small vestibule, and comes into a large lobby with a unique roof structure. The roof serves to inspire by funneling water into a water feature that descends the center of the room. The tight hallways make the sacred space have a greater impact of relief. And the small prayer rooms branching off from the sacred space serve as areas of individual meditation and reflection.
The structure is established through large FSC laminated lumber beams that create a unique exterior feature anchoring the Chapel into the surrounding environment. The design incorporates Photovoltaic Panels, Earth Sheltering, Rainwater Collection and Natural Daylighting among other sustainable strategies. The site, which is located in climate zone 4A will comply with IECC 2015 and was designed under LEED Version 4 for proposal for a Gold Rating.
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1: Chapel - Elevations
IMAGE 2: Chapel - Hand Delineated Perspective
IMAGE 3: Chapel Floor Plan
IMAGE 4: Model - Portal Entry
IMAGE 5: Model - Exterior Perspective
IMAGE 6:
IMAGE 7:
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Chapel of Solace
Category
AIA Maryland Student Design Awards > Community College > Community College / Design Project
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