James Hundt speaks at FORM/REFORM in Milwaukee
(August 4, 2007)

James Hundt, AIA of James Hundt Architecture, P.C. made three presentations at FORM/REFORM: The National Conference on Environment and Art for Catholic Worship in Milwaukee, WI on August 3 and 4, 2007. As a leading advocate of incorporating principles of eco-spirituality into religious projects, Mr. Hundt helped attendees understand how committing to a set of values for their building project has benefits far beyond the building and those who worship there. From theological tradition and basic values embraced by a community to practical suggestions, Mr. Hundt presented a wide range of possibilities for why and how a faith community can respond to our growing ecological crisis.

 

Emmanuel Baptist Church uses flexible sanctuary for Medieval Feast
(Spring 2007)

Even though their renovation has not yet begun, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany, NY has already started using their sanctuary in new and exciting ways. Having found a buyer for their original American Chestnut pews, the pews were removed in July of 2006, even though construction was not scheduled to start for several months. Since that time, the congregation has been experimenting with new arrangements of the space for worship and other activities. When the time came for their annual Medieval Feast, they decided to hold the event in the sanctuary. It was the perfect setting for this festive occasion, as friends, supporters and members of the church sat at long banquet tables and dined on crown roast of pork served on stale bread dashers and eaten without the use of forks (click here). The pastor and her husband played the roles of Lady and Lord of the castle while strolling musicians and other performers entertained the crowd (click here) . The next morning, it was all cleared away and ready for the two Sunday worship services. Click here for a view of the long range plan for this space, which will remain a flexible space after the renovation.

 

Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary celebrates tenth anniversary
(February 26, 2007)

The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary by presenting an Evening of Chanting Across the Faith Traditions. After an Islamic Call to Prayer by Asgar Saleem, participants were treated to a variety of forms of Hindu chant by the Albany Hindu Temple Priest, Mr. Balakrishna Kamambhati and others from the Hindu Temple. Cantor Rogerio Marx sang excerpts from the Torah as well as music from the Sabbath Liturgy. The evening presentation concluded with various Christian chants, including a Lapland Yoik, by students from the College of Saint Rose Chamber Singers and the Men’s Glee Club.

The Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, designed by James Hundt opened its doors on February 26, 1997 to a student population of 3,700. Today, the Sanctuary serves 5,100 students. Students gather at all hours of the day and night for prayer and music, working on projects for the homeless and for uninsured children, planning for service trips to hurricane ravaged New Orleans or to the poor in Honduras. The building has become the heart of the campus. It has received wide acclaim since its opening for being a place that welcomes people of all faiths. Interfaith dialogue is seen as one of the promising ways in which we can build bridges that could prevent another September 11, 2001. For photos of this project, click here.

Future events in honor of the tenth anniversary of the space include the creation of a sand mandala for peace by a community of Buddhist Monks who will be on campus from March 26 through 30th. Members of the community are invited to sign up to participate in this event.

 

Calvary United Methodist Church kicks off their capital campaign
(January 17, 2007)

Calvary United Methodist Church in Latham, NY has kicked off their capital campaign for the implementation of the first phase of their Master Plan, prepared by James Hundt Architecture, P.C. Working with fundraising consultant RSI (Resources Services, Inc.), they have prepared a comprehensive fundraising plan with the theme “Imagine Engage Become”. To see the Master Plan we prepared for them, click here. For more information about their campaign, go to www.calvarylatham.org and click on "Master Building Plan".

 

James Hundt, Architect begins work on first project in Delaware
(January 9, 2007)

James Hundt, Architect started work on their first project in Delaware. Working with nationally known liturgical design consultant and author of Building from Belief – Advance, Retreat, and Compromise in the Remaking of Catholic Church Architecture (The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN – 2002) – the firm will be preparing a Master Plan for Holy Family Church in Newark, DE. Founded in 1979 by the Diocese of Wilmington as an offshoot of Newark’s St. John the Baptist/Holy Angels Parish, Holy Family has maintained a demographic profile that defies easy characterization by ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic group. Even today, as the parish attends to the practical needs of its future, Holy Family serves as the spiritual home of a diverse community of believers whose collective identity derives primarily from a shared baptism and love for Christ and Christ’s Church. On any given weekend, in fact, the lay participants in Holy Family’s liturgical celebrations are likely to represent a wide array of nationalities, races, skin colors, ages, professions and lifestyles that is truly unique among Catholic parishes in the United States yet indicative of the universality of the faith. We are delighted to have been selected from among the top church architecture firms in the country to work with this vibrant parish.

 

James Hundt, Architect forms corporation
(January 1, 2007)

On 1/1/07, we formed a new corporation for our New York State practice – James Hundt Architecture, P.C. This new organization allows for additional shareholders in the company, which will ensure its continuance in the future. We will continue to operate as James Hundt, Architect in most other states.