Project Matrix- Precedent 2

Architectural precedent: 
Church of the Light, Ibaraki, Japan
by Tadao Ando

Key Concept: 
The Church of Light is an architecture of duality – the dual nature of [co]existence 
– solid/void, light/dark, stark/serene. The coexisting differences leave the church void of any, and all, ornament creating a pure, unadorned space. The intersection of light and solid raises the occupants' awareness of the spiritual and secular within themselves. The employment of simplistic materials reinforces the duality of the space; the concrete structure removes any distinction of traditional Christian motifs and aesthetic. Besides an extruded cross from the east facing façade, the church is composed of a concrete shell; the concrete adds to the darkness of the church by creating a more humble, meditative place of worship. 

Selected Design Element: 
The cross gap on east facade.

How is the Key Concept Reflected in the Form of the Selected Design Element:
The concrete construction is a reinforcement of Ando’s principal focus on simplicity and minimalist aesthetic; however, the way in which the concrete is poured and formed gives the concrete a luminous quality when exposed to natural light. Ando’s decision to place the cross on the east façade allows for light to pour into space throughout the early morning and into the day, which has a dematerializing effect on the interior concrete walls transforming the dark volume into an illuminated box. Ando’s approach to light and concrete in the Church of the Light, as well as his other projects, has a surreal effect that perceptually changes material into immaterial, dark into light, light into space.

Geometrical Description of the Shape:
The size of the cross is 5900mm wide, 250mm deep and 7180mm high, on the eastern wall 6660mm wide and 8080mm high.

Proposed Scale, Material, Technique:
S: 1:40
M: Concrete / MDF Panel & Metal (for module)
T: Hand making

Time/Commitment, Cost/Budget
T: Make module (4-5 hours)
    Concrete (2 hours)
    Overall (6-7 hours)
C: Concrete 20kg $7.5/bag
     Standard MDF Panel 
     900 x 600 x 3mm $3.5/ea

    Overall $11