The Rocco Design Architects-designed tower, which will hold the Wesleyan House Methodist International Church, sits on a teardrop-shaped site in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. With 800 square meters of plot and 11,000 square meters of program, the task proved challenging for the design team. The resulting solution manifests itself as a vertical church that integrates the sanctuary, chapels, activity halls, social service floors, and pastoral offices into the tower.
A pragmatic consideration was implemented in the adjacencies of the program. A large congregation hall sits above the main sanctuary, inviting worshippers to gather after the service. Offices and pastoral residences are situated on adjacent floors, providing a seamless connection for its residents, while still seeking to retain distinct identities.
The exterior language of the structure flexes a subtly curved facade with a solid core east facing wall sporting casement windows as opposed to a curtain wall. A sustainable effort intended to minimize heat gain within the space. On the north and south facing facades large windows maximize daylight and views within the congregation halls, church offices, and sky chapel, located at the top floor, offering panoramic views of the harbor to the north and hills to the south.
From the street level, visitors are greeted by the sound of church bells as they pass by the "historic stone wall, the tree of life, and the inscribed plaques through a blending of inside and outside spaces that helps to foster their mood for worship." The main sanctuary further utilized natural light on the main alter as an organic backdrop, seeking to craft a peaceful worship experience.
2 Comments
A dedicated space for the indoctrination of children? How nice... Another monument to superstition and medieval thinking. Hard pass.
The church has waaaaay too much money. Time to start taxing them.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.