You are on page 1of 2

Ecumenical Chapel

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.

You might also like