CHAPEL OF RECONCILIATION BERLIN, GERMANY

Typology: Concentric

History

Established: 1999, Significance: Stood on the very same site where the previous Reconciliation Church once were.

Ecological Materials

Raw wood | Clay | Rubbles

Exterior | Wood slits forges interaction between architecture, site context as well as evoking contrast towards user’s experience.

Interior | Clean earthy color represents the ‘power of whiteness’ giving an ascetic experience as well as the experience of reminiscing the past events.

Natural Lighting

Exterior | Light penetration forming dramatic striped shadows in the interior space. Due to the orientation of the building to the east increases usage of natural lighting throughout the day which therefore, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing natural lighting.

Interior | Natural light penetrates through the skylight of the prayer room, providing definition of space, affecting a user’s sense of human scale as well as affecting the experience of presence and absence.

Circulation

Central point with transitional spaces and a 360’ interior walkway, creating strong spatial interaction between user and architecture.

Hierarchy of Space

The walkway, which acts as a public space of connectivity, is the main space of the chapel followed by the central gathering space, which acts as a semi-public space for prayers and commemorations.

Asymmetry

Contrasting alignment of different forms creates a twist of space and circulation, forming an imbalance visual weight of the elements.

Repetition

Repetitive wood beams and wood slits spanning across the building and the façade produces a sense of continuity, rhythm, and movement as a whole.

Plan | nts

Journey of the 5 Senses

Healing Border

: semi-open space : acts as a space of remembrance

Elliptical Center

: the experience of infinite peace.

Memory Wall

: fragments of previous church acts as a reminder of the importance of ‘savoir habiter'

Experience in time

: seemingly solid during the day : diaphanous and light at night

Plan| NTS

History

Established: 1850 Significance: The oldest library in Paris. The exterior is nearly identical to band on Pantheon, as a gesture of respect to is neighboring monuments.

Natural Lighting Windows are designed to be bigger to provide sufficient natural light due to lack of energy sources.

 Symmetry

Incorporate symmetrical design for easy circulation. Poetically, it is to have balance between knowledge and contemplation.

Circulation The ground floor and the first floor are arranged symmetrically for easier access to reading materials and seats.

Organization of Space

Gives a sense of continuity with high barrel vaulted ceilings, creating a more spacious atmosphere

Repetition

Maximizing light penetration and repetitive column arrangement, iron vault arches with the twin barrel vaults provide airy space.

Materiality

Interior | Cast iron columns and vault frameworks reduces consumption of space, letting air and light circulate in all directions // to evoke drama created by exposed frameworks.

Exterior | Mainly just bricks and smooth stones with the scholars’ name inscribed as an accumulation of history and evolution of society, monotheism, and contemporary scientism.

SAINT GENEVIEVE LIBRARY PARIS, FRANCE

Typology: Linear

Journey of the 5 Senses

Remembrance

: sense of reminiscing the past through design and materiality.

Vitalization

: enormous windows lights up the sparks of expectations of life

The Long Run

: it longitudinal interior space enhances one’s sense of hope and continuity in knowledge in the library