Interfaith Chapel at the University of North Florida

Project Details

Project Description

One of the three designs to be shortlisted in the UNF Interfaith Chapel Competition, our concept was to create a peaceful, contemplative, flexible place for students, and community to enjoy.

The site was carefully chosen to take advantage of the views, sun, and breeze while creating a special experience for those who visit the Chapel. The experience begins at the existing parking lot, slowly moving toward the building, leaving the busy, noisy everyday life for a place that can be inspiring, quiet, serene, fun, or whatever else that one is searching for. The building is designed using a simple palette of materials with the utmost flexibility in mind and the ability to accommodate a variety of functions. The building’s exterior skin along the main space is almost all glass to take advantage of the beautiful views, the trees, the sun, the moon, the breeze. Glass doors can be opened to allow nature to enter the Chapel while the surrounding deck allows people to move outside. For Chapel use, the tall volume makes one feel inspired and small in the universe...the same feeling of being in a European cathedral. For other functions, the building is designed so that multiple functions (indoor or outdoor) can occur simultaneously by operating doors to further expand the spaces.

Our sustainability goal is to achieve a LEED Platinum Rating facility with the building specifically designed for the site and climate of Florida. Sustainable materials along with high performance building systems have been carefully selected to provide for effective life-cycle operating costs and enhanced energy efficiency.

http://www.ttvarch.com/