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Student
Return to List
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| # 193 |
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| Completion |
12 / 2021 |
| Specific Use of Building |
Chapel, Community Center, Library, Dining, Offices |
| Project Location |
University of Michigan |
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The Christian Study Center is designed to bring faith into academic spheres. A unique interaction between sacred and secular occurs here, as a slow path is created from the secular university campus up to the sacred chapel space. This center aims to create a space for pre-gospel witness through community and relationships, providing a welcoming and safe space to explore spirituality and experience the sacred.
This is designed through the development of two languages of form: the typical brick and mortar of Michigan that represents the secular school, and organic timber extending upward to represent the sacred chapel. The cold brick exterior shows the darkness of the world, standing juxtaposed to the glowing lighthouse that is the chapel, leading those who are lost to itself. As one enters, they are slowly introduced to these sacred forms, leading on a journey of ascension, upward to the chapel at the end.
The concept of the chapel is in reference to Matthew 5:14-15, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” The chapel sits atop the hill, serving as a beacon to the campus, and given hierarchy as a sacred space. The forms of the chapel then begin to spiral down, covering the central courtyard.
This movement demonstrates the importance of the courtyard as a transcendent space where relationships can be built, and spirituality can become part of the conversation. The dining center, offices, and library encompass the courtyard, pulling the user inward and upward. These spaces become the intermediate zones that invite users from all backgrounds to explore the center. They encourage movement to the courtyard, which is a space to play, read, eat, and connect with people. Periodic pockets of space provide intimate zones for deeper connection and private conversations. These pockets mimic the chapel’s form to suggest that transcendence and spirituality may not only be found in the chapel space, but in everyday life and conversations.
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