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Lauren Cao

Lauren Cao

Long Island City, NY, US

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Non-Denominational Chapel in Piedmont Cemetery

To design a non-denominational chapel, one must take into account the people who will be using it. What religions will pass through, what do each of these religions need in terms of space. Some might prefer to pray alone, while others might benefit from joining a congregation. Most religions are directional- for example, Christians pray towards the cross, Muslims towards Mecca, Buddhists meditate inwardly. To allow each of these religions to exist in the same space comfortably, I first had to get rid of the walls and lines of the traditional Chapel. I threw these typically orthogonal squares upward, allowing them to break off into their own patterns around the space. Some of these panels decided to float upward, to protect patrons from the sun, some decided to stay grounded, to provide seating. This had to be encased in a skin of glass, created in the language of the cliff itself- jagged and organic in form. A long, dark and quite entrance hall was created to quiet the minds and ears of the incoming patrons from the outside world before letting them inside the bright chapel space. Truly an experience that would raise the spirits.

 
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Status: School Project
Location: Piedmont Cemetery
My Role: Sole designer and Drafter
Additional Credits: N/A