Church of Corpus Christi; Ushers, New York
Rather than focusing on the altar or ambo, the design of this new worship space focuses on the people who are worshiping together. The geometry of the building creates two equal axes, one in the direction of the altar, ambo and baptismal font and the other in the direction of the people. The center of the space is empty, save for a modern sculpture representing the death of Christ suspended from the center of the roof. This arrangement allows the focus of the participants to easily shift from altar to ambo, each time taking into the field of vision the faces of the other half of the congregation. The open space in the center allows for communal events such as weddings and funerals to take place in the midst of the assembly, with equal visual access for all.
The location of the baptismal font at the beginning of one of the two axes serves as a reminder of each parishioner’s initiation into the Church through baptism. Its large size stresses its importance as a symbol of God’s forgiveness offered to us throughout our lives and allows for baptism by immersion of adults. Its elevated location makes it possible for the congregation to fully participate in the baptisms of both infants and adults.
The design of the fenestration reinforces the theology of the space. The majority of the light enters the building through four large gable windows at the center of the space. This concentration of light at the center emphasizes the centrality of the plan. Light also enters the space on the east and west sides through large windows located at the floor, to eliminate the possibility of glare for the worshipers.
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Project Showcase
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