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FORM & ORDER

The conflict between the built and natural environments and the resolution to accommodate these two competing patterns is a significant factor in architectural design. The main objective of this project is to explore the use of research techniques to test and formulate design ideas.

Light

Light Background Research

Steven Holl - Chapel of St. Ignatius, Seattle University  
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Narrative

As the architect for this non-denomination chapel project, my main task is to design and integrate the building on the public square of Farmingdale State College. The aim of building this chapel is to provide a profoundly spiritual place for people of all faiths with the creative use of light. This building comprises three chapels with different purposes, a lobby, offices, a conference room, a library, toilets, closets, and a few storage spaces. There will be the main sanctuary that has a capacity of 50 people where they can worship. The main sanctuary is oriented to the east, so during the morning time, the sun will be hitting its facade. The second chapel is the meditation chapel where people can reflect on their life events and future. The meditation chapel is oriented to the south, so during solar noon time, the sun will be hitting its facade. The third chapel is the memorial chapel where people can find peace while looking back on their losses and regrets in life. The memorial chapel is oriented to the west, so during the evening time, the sun will be hitting its facade. Of the three chapels, the main sanctuary is the most important. 

Hierarchy

Main Sanctuary 
Meditation Chapel
Memorial Chapel
Lobby
Secular Spaces

Sorting of Spaces

Sacred:
Main Sanctuary
Meditation Chapel
Memorial Chapel
Lobby
Secular:
Offices
Conference Room
Library
Storages,Toilets, & Closets

Contextual Analysis

Sun Angles

Preliminary Ideas, Designs, & Diagrams

2D Section Light Diagrams
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The Influence of Past Precendents of Light
  • Steven Holl: Baffles, slits, and curved walls

  • Louis Khan: Curved roof, curved reflectors, and dome-shaped light cannon

  • Le Corbusier: Light cannons, varied window-shaped openings, and tilted curved roof​

Steven Holl: St. Ignatius 

Le Corbusier: Notre Dame du Haut

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Louis Khan:  Kimbell Art Museum

Le Corbusier: Palace of Assembly 

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Le Corbusier: Convent La Tourette

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Site Selection
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The site was chosen by keeping in mind three important factors which are the circulation path, the sun angle analysis, and the purpose of each chapel. ​The main sanctuary is oriented to the east to get maximum sunlight during the day. The meditation chapel faces the south so that the morning and evening times will be cooler in this part of the building. The memorial chapel is oriented to the west and the sun will be hitting its facade and providing a comforting light for those in distress during dusk.

Final Design

Site Plan
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The front of the building faces the same direction as that of the School of Business, thus making the new building in alignment with the existing infrastructure. 

Floor Plan
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Memorial

Chapel

Meditation

Chapel

Main Sactuary 

Lobby

Toilet

Toilet

Clergy Office

Secretary Office

Conference

Room

Library

Closet

Storage

Storage

Storage

Closet

Elevations
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North

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South

East

West

Sections
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Chapel Sections
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Main Sactuary

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Meditation Chapel

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Memorial Chapel

3D Interior Renderings
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3D Exterior Renderings
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