Forest Chapel Works Metal Material into Organic Architectural Forms
Amelia Roblin — March 1, 2013 — Social Good
The relationship established between indoors and outdoors was executed in an atypical way in the design of the Forest Chapel. Hironaka Ogawa & Associates did make use of fenestration and the integration of nature-inspired forms, but perhaps not in the way one might expect.
The windows that draw sunlight into the sanctuary are predominantly located at floor level, rising under two feet to provide muted illumination without glare. Only one pair of full ceiling-height panes were worked in, positioned to function as spotlighting around the altar.
The true defining feature of the minimalist white box Forest Chapel is the curious piers inside. Made from steel, the columns rise and separate into eight branches that form unique trees with inconsistent boughs and bends, setting up an open and intricate system of vaulting.
The windows that draw sunlight into the sanctuary are predominantly located at floor level, rising under two feet to provide muted illumination without glare. Only one pair of full ceiling-height panes were worked in, positioned to function as spotlighting around the altar.
The true defining feature of the minimalist white box Forest Chapel is the curious piers inside. Made from steel, the columns rise and separate into eight branches that form unique trees with inconsistent boughs and bends, setting up an open and intricate system of vaulting.
Trend Themes
1. Organic Metal Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunities include exploring new ways to incorporate organic and natural forms into modern architecture, using metal as a primary material.
2. Innovative Fenestration - Disruptive innovation opportunities include experimenting with new ways to incorporate fenestration into building designs, such as using floor-level windows to provide natural illumination without glare.
3. Minimalist Cathedral Design - Disruptive innovation opportunities include reimagining traditional cathedral design with minimalist and modern aesthetics, emphasizing unique and intricate structural forms.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can explore the use of metal and organic forms to create innovative and ecologically conscious structures with natural illumination.
2. Construction - Construction companies can focus on building structures with innovative fenestration systems and unique, minimalist designs that emphasize the use of metal and organic forms.
3. Religious Institutions - Religious institutions can consider modern and minimalistic designs with unique architectural forms to create new spaces for spiritual reflection and community events.
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