ARCH7111_W2_Analysis_1981

16th Competition Theme: Meditation Chapel

Tittle: Meditation Chapel

Year:1981

Designer: Minoru Murata (Japan)

Description:

This building consists of differences and contrasts of elements. The delicate differences in the tones of white, contrast with the sharp sunlight screaming in and the soft light filtering through the milk white acrylic dome, the contrast of material – concrete and acrylic, sand and marble add beauty to the building.

There isn’t usually anything in this space. People are free to come and go. Some people walk around some sit down. They are free to spend their own time in it. It can be used as an exhibition room for sculptures and contemporary arts as well as a space for events and performances. It is also used for ceremonial occasions.

Judge's Comments & Analysis

The theme of the sixteenth Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition is the preparation of a mediation chapel that creates new meaning and forms in the urban condition of today. The first-place winner by Minoru Murata has a same tittle with the theme.

The theme makes people reflect on the extent to which we have forgotten the spiritual world in the whirlwind of actual society. The Murata entry gave a clear thought to the topic in a range of existing architectural vocabulary - two domes-a larger and a smaller one-in a simple form that generates the image of a space for mediation. At the first glance, it seems like a very simple design. But it displays great skill in the way it remains silent on problem points related to materials and tells the viewer only those things the designer wished to express. Murata design is a lucid frontal attack on the problem posed by the theme. It is not a commentary on the theme. The structure of the entry is represented symbolically, and the space is strong. It provided a philosophical strong solution.

Key point:

-Clear and simple expression (Clear grid system, symmetry, modular)

-Extract the central problem in the theme accurately (new religious building for modern use)

-Solve the problem directly and simple with architectural language (space in dome)

-Simple design, but it remains silent on problem points (fewer words)