Ecumenical chapel is a type of building designed for worship and religious
activities similar to other types of church and chapels. However it differs in terms of its appearance and details as it portrays no specific religion. The word ecumenical is derived from the Greek word oikounemen which means the whole inhabited world. It applies the whole world or universal in the modern movement, with consideration to provide unity among religions (originally, to establish a visible unity in Christ among Christians. As a rule of thumb in designing ecumenical chapel, it should not represent any religion but instead it must provide unity among them. Associations of certain symbolic elements in the design (like cross) violates the principle of ecumenism as it only portray a certain belief. It must instead use universal symbolic elements to describe God (example is crown, sun etc.).
Design Considerations
God is important in the consideration of building designs for worship
and ministry, Churches are public structures associated with the activities of the religious communities that inhabit them. While architectural design cannot, in and of itself determine the full content of meaning that a person receives when he or she encounters a church, the design can provoke associations based on past and present human patterns of behavior. Scale and Volume Church design can be ascertained intuitively and learned through explanation. The physical features of environments for worship can initiate certain feeling in those who occupy the space. For example, one might feel small and humble in a space of great height and volume. Or one might sense mystery in a dimly lit space. Dcor The elaborations of simplification of the dcor and the organization of the space have all been used through various designs to help remind the worshiper of the nature of God. Symbolic designs and objects of worship are also added to support the purpose of the structure, it helps to focus the person more intentionally on
less noticeable aspects of God as the object of worship. If a long, narrow,
intentionally organized space with a primary entrance at one end and a significant focal point at the other end such as an altar can be said to represent a journey in time and space. Control of Light Light can be controlled in a various means. Diminished light in a worships space is more mysterious and suggestive of wonder, encourages contemplation of the divine. Often the idea of Gods transcendence is coupled with limited light. In contrast, bright white light, tends to emphasize the immediate context. Space programming Guides the user to worship and use different kinds of activities that may be performed in the church. In example, adoration room is usually placed in front of the church so while the occupants may clearly see the church and may be encourage to meditate before attending the mass.