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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Shonan Christ Church in Kanagawa, Japan by Takeshi Hosaka ArchitectsApril 22nd, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Takeshi Hosaka Architects A protestant church stands at a rich green residential area which is 10-minutes away from Shonan beach on foot. The chapel of the 50-year old church became too small and it was therefore decided that a new church would be constructed on a different site. Church authorities said that the passages of the Bible are read and heard in service. Therefore, “We wish to have a chapel appropriate to give praise to the Lord.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.
 Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.
 Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. Six roofs The architectural design was a one-storied building with a restrained height so that it could harmonize in a low-rise residential area. It was aimed at creating a space appropriate to prayer and worship with the six curved surfaced roofs at different heights. This allows natural light to pour down from the ceiling. It conveys the message that six roofs represent the six days of Creation in the Bible genesis and Mass celebrates the seventh day. Direct sunlight and indirect light are regulated depending on the time of the day. At the time of service there was no direct exposure to sunlight, whereas the rest of the time there was. Therefore, this construction was designed to receive an appropriate amount of indirect light during service time. So, light was simulated using computer software at intervals of 30 minutes on the designed days during 12 months and manipulated depending on the time of the day. There would be a space under a soft light at the time of service throughout the year. Towards the end of the service, direct sunlight begins to draw a ray of light on the wall surface. In the afternoon there is only one line of direct sunlight, and around 3 o’clock light comes in like a shower, creating a dynamic environment.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. (Stiffening) Ribs of sound and light Uneven longitudinal ribs were carved at a random rhythm on the exposed RC concrete wall of the chapel, and dark gray acoustic boards were placed between the ribs. A solution to the requirement was reached by achieving balance. This was possible using concave acoustic boards to make it easier to hear the priest’s sermon and Bible Readings, and improved the sound of ecclesiastical music such as hymns with RC convex surfaces. Flutter echo was reduced by rib pitches placed at random. A light grey light shines directly on the convex surface stands out due to its contrast with the dark grey concave surface. Based on the idea that modern church construction has to provide a space that facilitates the Bible Readings, it came to our minds we should achieve direct sunlight shining through a dark space.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. Direct moonlight Under the sky of Shonan, we can participate in a service, read and hear the words of the Bible and have the opportunity to pray in a space under dynamic direct sun light in the afternoon. Direct moonlight shines through the pitch-black chapel at night during full moon. We hope the conception of time and space will harmonize with the local nature and scenery and people will gradually come to love the construction.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. Outdoor terra-cotta cross Reverend Furuya picked up 5KG of sand with his own hands in the premises of the previous church and used it to make a terra-cotta cross. This is because he wanted to emphasize the 50 years of the Christian church of Shonan and desires of the congregation. Open rainwater gutter Slits were made on the outside wall at the lowest point of circular arcs to create open rain gutter. As a result, it could be enjoyable to see rain flow through the gutters, and despite the abundance of pine leaves, these do not block the gutters.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. Direct sunlight and prayer Direct sunlight alters the space in the church in different ways creating the perfect environment for player. After the service, it becomes a space for a prayer for a small number of people and one to two or three rays of sunlight shine throughout afternoon.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. Indirect light and service The passages of the Bible are read, and heard in Mass. It is inappropriate for the Bible and people to be exposed to direct sunlight during service. Indirect light is appropriate for service. The space was designed to receive indirect light during services from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Chapel afternoon Only one thin ray of direct sunlight shines through the chapel when the hymn is sung towards the end of service.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc. The Creation relief tiles Relief tiles about the creation showing motifs of the hand of God during the six-day Genesis were introduced in the north-south walls under the six roofs. Unbaked tiles were engraved with original pictures from the Genesis and baked one by one. The color of the tiles is a semi-transparent light blue inspired by the morning haze. The pictures of the six days were slightly different in design depending on orientation. Finding pictures not only in the chapel but also in various rooms including the rest room, kid’s room, and pastor’s room added to the enjoyment.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © KOJI FUJII / Nacasa&Pertners Inc.  Image Courtesy © Takeshi Hosaka Architects  Image Courtesy © Takeshi Hosaka Architects  Image Courtesy © Takeshi Hosaka Architects  Image Courtesy © Takeshi Hosaka Architects
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