The formal and spatial design of this project is based on the “Vesica Piscis”, an oval shape which comes out of the intersection of two circles with the same radius, intersecting in such a way that the center of each circle lies on the circumference of the other. It represents a fish, which represents Christianity. In Medieval times, churches and temples were designed based on the Vesica Piscis. Thus, in our case, sections of the circle such as those that conform the Vesica Piscis are the formal and symbolic elements used in this project. The roof, the wall behind the altar and the steps to the altar as well as the large stained glass windows use this shape. Besides religious symbolism, we use symbols of place. To accomplish this, we decided to use a local black stone to tie the building to place. The shape of this church also responds to the shapes of the mountains that surround the town where it’s located. The whole building is set in a reflecting pool that symbolizes eternal life. Rainwater that sheds from the roof will drain into this pool, generating water movement and sound, thus provoking a state of meditation among churchgoers.
2006
2007
Sylvia Fournier
