07/11/2021
Rwanda Chapel Competition
2019
On arrival, worshippers will first witness the chapel, the bell, and lastly the cross. All are aligned to appear as one united structure and blend with the surrounding natural landscape. They form the three core elements of the design and take inspiration from the doctrine of the Trinity, an influence repeated throughout the chapel.
Subsequently, churchgoers are drawn to the feeling of familiarity derived from the chapel’s resemblance with the region’s circular huts created by a set of arcs layered over each other, and experience the circular pattern of the base of the chapel, alike to many seen in Rwanda's traditional artwork.
Three offsetting layers of clouded glass rings—which diffuse entering sunlight protecting the interior of the chapel from direct sun—define the hanging chapel roof. Along with its unique form, these layers allow the chapel to be extended over time by removing the innermost arcs with a new arc structure on the outside. Each extension will provide 20% more seats to allow for the greater number of worshippers in the locality.
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Our concept combines Rwandan vernacular architecture and art with the core values of the Christian Catholic church together to create a natural and homely space for worshipers, connecting them to the past, present and future.
