Title of Work : Shonan Christ Church
Architects : Takeshi Hosaka Architects
Classification : Contemporary Japanese Architecture – Protestant Church
Year : 2014
Location : Kanagawa, Japan
Structural Design : Box Frame Type – Reinforced Concrete Construction
Description :
The Shonan Christ Church is a one-storied building with a restrained height to harmonize with a low-rise residential area. With an emphasis of creating space appropriate for prayer and worship, the curving cast-concrete roof features six separate concave slabs at ranging heights that allow natural light to pour down between levels with the intention to symbolize the first to sixth day in the Bible’s story of creation. The penetration of natural light was designed with the knowledge that direct sunlight was inappropriate for the time of gathered services (10:30-12:00 in Sunday morning), but desired during times outside of services, setting the space under a soft skylight for services throughout the year. The number of sunbeams changes as the day progresses, with a single beam at noon announcing the end of the typical church service. The roof shape was also designed to dampen and reflect the sound of hymns, and to ensure sermons can be heard clearly by the congregation. The ribbed concrete walls aided in the projection of acoustics and absorption of undesired echoes while interacting with the changing light exposure, reflecting sunlight to effectively illuminate the space. Japanese religious architecture has historically emphasized the importance of nature and utilizes natural building materials. Contemporary religious structures like this employ such natural elements, however, have pushed the structural materiality of natural building materials to aid in the experiential possibilities generating modern aestheticism and an essence of sacred space.
also they provide structural, acoustic, and lighting benefits”
Sources :
https://www.archdaily.com/560836/shonan-christ-church-takeshi-hosaka
https://www.archdaily.com/photographer/koji-fujii-nacasa-and-partners-inc?ad_name=project-specs&ad_medium=single
