PROJECT Cliff Bend Chapel
LOCATION Page, Arizona
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 5/12/2016
PROJECT CATEGORY Community College / Design Project
PROJECT TYPE Studio
ENTRANT Alexander Wong
TEAM MEMBERS
SCHOOL Anne Arundel Community College
FACULTY SPONSOR Michael D. 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 project was to design a non-denominational chapel, while striving to create a sense of spirituality and reflection through location, form and scale. exploring the relationship between Entry through a portal, Path and arrival point to the Chapel allowed for the beginning of a spiritual navigation through the site and Structure.
Final design solution was developed from Parti diagram/model, studies. It symbolizes Isolation through the use of rectilinear architectural forms that are in contrast to the natural curvilinear site features. The site allows for a spiritual and humble connection to the vast natural surroundings. Iconic views of the Bend evoke Isolation by placing them inside the view, ‘shrinking’ them with its size.
The connection between parking, path and building starts the visitor on a journey toward Isolation; initially heading toward the Cliff edge to the Portal. The Portal is where the structure starts to float and Isolates itself from the ground. Upon entering the Chapel, the vestibule leads one to the lobby, where one can view isolates sculptural form on opposite side of the Bend. The Lobby leads one to the sacred space where the tall ceiling and large glazing facing west focuses a view of the isolated form.
The large supporting structure is FSC Laminated Lumber connected with diagonal bracing topped with a beam that anchors the structure back to the land. Type IV construction lent itself to some connection details that allowed for expressive tectonic details where the design emphasized the connections of the supporting structure.
This project was design to utilize sustainable strategies such as Photovoltaic Panels, Rainwater collection and Natural Daylighting.
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1: Exterior Rendering
IMAGE 2: Exterior Rendering
IMAGE 3: Exterior Hand Rendering
IMAGE 4: Interior Hand Rendering
IMAGE 5: Exterior Perspective
IMAGE 6:
IMAGE 7:
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Cliff Bend Chapel
Category
AIA Maryland Student Design Awards > Community College > Community College / Design Project
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