The use of our 3-D model – not only as our design instrument but also as a tool for our communication – improved our dialogue, helped us to explain our ideas, and provoked helpful comments and ideas from our client.
We decided to let the belief system of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the diversity of the congregation guide us throughout the design process. Many ideas were explored, but three ideas stand out: the role of baptism in the service; the number seven; and the ethnic and geographic make-up of the congregation.
Baptism: During our conversation with the pastor and representatives of the congregation, we learned about the central importance of baptism, and the importance of SDA’s symbol. We studied a number of different approaches to the design and positioning of the baptismal pool and symbol in a three-dimensional (3-D) model, and were then able to discuss each proposal in a 3-D presentation with our client. In the end, we decided to give the baptism pool a central and elevated place in the church. Because it is used only during special services, we decided to reveal the pool only during these services by opening the back of the dais. SDA’s symbol is depicted in an oculus which is centered behind the baptismal pool and further emphasizes the central role of baptism.
The number Seven: in the SDA faith, Belief #6 is related to the Creation, and Belief #20 describes the meaning of Sabbath – the seventh day that gives the church its name. Ancient astronomers noticed that the sun, which follows through the ecliptic path over the course of the year, seems to advance in its path by approximately one degree each day. Subsequently, 7 degrees stand for 7 days. The number seven and the seven-degree angle guide the appearance of the church in all three dimensions. “Walking” through the 3-D model, looking at interior and exterior consequences of the implementation of the number seven, made us check, eliminate, add, and change ideas.
Congregation: during the design process, we got to know the congregation and understood its roots and diversity. Members of the congregation have roots in many parts of the world. We were looking for ways to express that, and suggested a colorful base and studied different ideas. After our last presentation to the congregation, members suggested using the colors of the flags of their countries of origin as inspiration. The 3-D model reflects incorporating this inspiration using an abstract approach.
The link below guides you to a clip – a “walkthrough” that provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the project. The images show the current design; this is a progress report. To be continued.
Article written by Thomas Walther, Project Architect