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
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
The Influence of Past Precendents of Light
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Steven Holl: Baffles, slits, and curved walls
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Louis Khan: Curved roof, curved reflectors, and dome-shaped light cannon
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Le Corbusier: Light cannons, varied window-shaped openings, and tilted curved roof​
Steven Holl: St. Ignatius
Le Corbusier: Notre Dame du Haut
Louis Khan: Kimbell Art Museum
Le Corbusier: Palace of Assembly
Le Corbusier: Convent La Tourette
Site Selection
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
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
Memorial
Chapel
Meditation
Chapel
Main Sactuary
Lobby
Toilet
Toilet
Clergy Office
Secretary Office
Conference
Room
Library
Closet
Storage
Storage
Storage
Closet
Elevations
North
South
East
West
Sections
Chapel Sections
Main Sactuary
Meditation Chapel
Memorial Chapel