P R A Y E R C H A P E L F O R A L L R E L I G I O N S
[SITE] Rome, Italy
[COMPLETION DATE] December 8, 2017
[ABSTRACT] The Chapel for All Religions is a conceptual competition design for a meditation space on a lot located in the residential heart of Rome, Italy bordering the Tiber River and shared with the remains of an abandoned church. The scheme includes two perpendicular, non-intersecting tunnels, from above ground to below ground, which meet a square-shaped, single room chapel that extends its walls from 10' below ground to 30' above. The unique brick skeleton of the prayer room contains an alternating pattern of solid and void which dramatically break open in the center of each facade. The effect creates a cross-shaped reflected ceiling plan which toys with dramatic shadows, light and sound from the city, and even welcomes rain to be collected on its marble floor. The floor has a network of shallow channels carved into its surface to drain the rain down a mesmorizing geometric path. The isolated seating represents the infinite patterns of Cosmatesque mosaics that characterize Roman interior architecture as a secular benefactor in European art.
