White-metal fins form abstract exterior of Buro Ziyu Zhuang's Chamber Church

[Celerity]

https://www.dezeen.com/2022/01/31/white-metal-fins-exterior-buro-ziyu-zhuangs-chamber-church/







German-Chinese architecture practice Büro Ziyu Zhuang has completed a church in Qingdao, China, featuring walls and a tower made from dozens of spaced-out aluminium ribs. Büro Ziyu Zhuang designed the Chamber Church as part of Chinese property developer Sunac's Aduo Town project in the Qingdao Zangma Mountain Tourism Resort.







The church is positioned at the edge of a public plaza connecting it with other nearby amenities. When viewed from the plaza, the forested mountains form a dramatic natural backdrop. The architects claimed that the building combines a religious experience with secular attitude, explaining that the church "aims to create a spatial container that both respects the past and looks towards the future."







The design borrows familiar elements from classical church architecture, such as the bell tower with its spire and rose window, the basilica layout, and the repeating interiors arches. These features are translated into simplified forms made up of vertical ribs. "To create a modern icon, we needed to create a pure shape that still evokes the archetype of a church," claimed Büro Ziyu Zhuang. "Therefore, during the design process, we integrated different vernacular facade images of traditional churches. The derived base volume is then expressed through a series of slices."







The building is oriented east to west and is positioned at a point where the site slopes upwards, allowing the church to be raised above the plaza in front of it. A manmade lake that surrounds the building provides privacy on all sides. Steps leading from the plaza to the entrance are flanked by terraced water features that enhance the sense of connection with the local nature.

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[wyn borkins]

1. Intelligently modern design...and yet...serenely beautiful (n/t)

[Moebym]

2. Don't have to be Christian or even religious

To appreciate this beautiful work of architecture.

[Emile]

3. It's different and beautiful. I like it.

[Biophilic]

4. What an amazing design. Really beautiful. Thanks for posting. nt