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The Chapel is located by the sea in Putian, Fujian. This project is a small church, consisting of a solid chapel with indoor space and an ethereal chapel that is fully outdoors. The solid chapel has an inward-focused structure, floating on a terrace at the foot of the mountain, while the ethereal chapel is located at the top, the same size as the chapel itself. This clearing and the chapel reciprocate with each other as void and solid. The design inspiration comes from sacred geometry and numerical logic to create a space of divinity. For the shape of the building is a perfect cube, with equal sides of 12 meters. The number 12 is considered the holiest in sacred geometry, symbolizing the macrostructure of the universe.
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The upper part of the cubic church is supported by several primitive boulders on the high terrace of the hillside, forming a long row of windows through which light enters via back-reflection. The top of the Chapel is an irregular dome, which displays an artificial starry sky that forms an inward universe of its own. Also, this design fosters an atmosphere in which one can communicate with their heart. When someone enters this place, their sight is controlled, guiding them to look only at the ceiling and listen to their heart. When standing, people can perceive the outside world through the gap.
As the church is proximity to the sea, the exterior is covered with a material shimmering with diffusing reflection, secretly connected with the optics of seashells.The buildings on the first terrace use local materials such as rough stones are commonly used in construction, fully integrating regional characteristics while ensuring that the building harmonizes with the natural environment.
The main materials that used in this projects are glazed tiles, local raw stone, terrazzo, weathering steel, teak, wood formwork concrete and rammed earth.
The design inspiration comes from sacred geometry and numerical logic to create a space of divinity. Sacred geometry is an extension of the human soul and a way of discovering the patterns inherent in nature. When we perceive the perfection of Greek temples or Da Vinci's paintings, we subconsciously resonate with the geometric proportions. For the façade of the building, the shape is a perfect cube, with equal sides of 12 meters, and it houses an inscribed circular dome. The number 12 is considered the holiest in sacred geometry, representing the 12 hours, 12 months, the 12 apostles of Jesus, and the 12 tribes of Israel, symbolizing the macrostructure of the universe. The upper part of the cubic church is supported by several primitive boulders on the high terrace of the hillside, forming a long row of windows through which light enters via back-reflection, creating a beautiful light effect. The top of the Chapel is an irregular dome, more like an original sheltered cave, which displays an artificial starry sky that forms an inward universe of its own. The priest and the villagers can communicate with God and with their inner minds in this microcosm. Moreover, the cube’s exterior represents the Earth, while the circular dome symbolizes the universe. Through this contrast in form, the building showcases the connection between humanity, nature, the universe, and God.
Not only does this design create an environment for divinity, but it also fosters an atmosphere in which one can communicate with their heart. When someone enters this place, their sight is controlled, guiding them to look only at the ceiling, forcing them not to be distracted but to listen to their heart, thus creating a sense of peacefulness and calm. When standing, people can perceive the outside world through the gap created between the cube and the ground and gaze at the sea.
Horizontal Design, which is regarded as a representative of Chinese contemporary design, owns professional design group composed of international young talents. Since its establishment in 2003, Horizontal Design has remained keenly to innovate and become a forerunner, who provides the best service and solutions in the design fields of architecture, interior, landscape and product.
Horizontal Design explores the possibilities of traditional culture. Each Horizontal Design project carries unique characteristics and energetic response to life. Guided by oriental culture, art and philosophy, Horizontal Design pursues real Chinese modern design with application of digital analysis and international design methodology.
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