Spheron Architects, a UK studio, has recently constructed a wooden chapel in memory of the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The chapel is built on the grounds of Marian House, a community and cultural center for the UK Belarusian population living in and around London.
Interestingly, Spheron Architects' chapel is the first wooden church built in London since the Great Fire of 1666. Considering the mass urban devastation of that historical event, it is appropriate that the new chapel pays homage to the victims of a modern and even more destructive disaster.
Beyond that connection, the architects chose to make a wooden church because of the rich tradition in Belarus. In the country, wood is a commonly used material for religious buildings.
Timber-Clad Memorial Chapels
Spheron Architects' Chapel is Dedicated to the Victims of Chernobyl
Trend Themes
1. Timber-clad Architecture - Incorporating wood as the primary structural material in buildings, providing an eco-friendly alternative to other materials used in architecture.
2. Memorial Architecture - Designing structures that are dedicated to commemorating significant events or people, which can provide a connection to the past.
3. Community-centered Architecture - Creating buildings that prioritize the needs of the surrounding community, such as cultural institutions or centers for local gatherings.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Using innovative techniques and materials in building design and construction, such as timber-clad architecture, to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly buildings.
2. Construction - Incorporating eco-friendly building materials and techniques, as well as precise and efficient construction methods to build architectural projects.
3. Cultural Institutions - Constructing community-centered buildings such as cultural centers or memorial chapels that can increase social connectivity and provide a space for communal activities.