1. CHAPEL OF RECONCILIATION BERLIN, GERMANY
Typology: Concentric
History
Established: 1999,
Significance: Stood on the very same
site where the previous Reconciliation
Church once were.
Ecological Materials
Raw wood | Clay | Rubbles
Exterior | Wood slits forges interaction between architecture, site context as well as evoking
contrast towards user’s experience.
Interior | Clean earthy color represents the ‘power of whiteness’ giving an ascetic experience as
well as the experience of reminiscing the past events.
Natural Lighting
Exterior | Light penetration forming dramatic striped shadows in the interior space. Due to the
orientation of the building to the east increases usage of natural lighting throughout the day
which therefore, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing natural lighting.
Interior | Natural light penetrates through the skylight of the prayer room, providing definition of
space, affecting a user’s sense of human scale as well as affecting the experience of presence
and absence.
Circulation
Central point with transitional
spaces and a 360’ interior
walkway, creating strong
spatial interaction between
user and architecture.
Hierarchy of Space
The walkway, which acts
as a public space of
connectivity, is the main
space of the chapel
followed by the central
gathering space, which
acts as a semi-public
space for prayers and
commemorations.
Asymmetry
Contrasting alignment of
different forms creates a
twist of space and
circulation, forming an
imbalance visual weight of
the elements.
Repetition
Repetitive wood beams
and wood slits
spanning across the
building and the façade
produces a sense of
continuity, rhythm, and
movement as a whole.
Plan | nts
Journey of the 5 Senses
Healing Border
: semi-open space
: acts as a space of
remembrance
Elliptical Center
: the experience of infinite
peace.
Memory Wall
: fragments of previous church
acts as a reminder of the
importance of ‘savoir habiter'
Experience in time
: seemingly solid during the day
: diaphanous and light at night
2. Plan| NTS
History
Established: 1850
Significance: The oldest library in Paris. The exterior is nearly
identical to band on Pantheon, as a gesture of respect to is
neighboring monuments.
Natural Lighting
Windows are designed to be bigger to provide sufficient natural light due to lack of
energy sources.
Symmetry
Incorporate symmetrical design for easy circulation. Poetically, it is to have balance
between knowledge and contemplation.
Circulation
The ground floor and the first floor are arranged symmetrically for easier access to
reading materials and seats.
Organization of Space
Gives a sense of continuity with high barrel vaulted ceilings, creating a more
spacious atmosphere
Repetition
Maximizing light penetration and repetitive column arrangement, iron vault arches
with the twin barrel vaults provide airy space.
Materiality
Interior | Cast iron columns and vault frameworks reduces
consumption of space, letting air and light circulate in all directions //
to evoke drama created by exposed frameworks.
Exterior | Mainly just bricks and smooth stones with the scholars’ name
inscribed as an accumulation of history and evolution of society,
monotheism, and contemporary scientism.
SAINT GENEVIEVE LIBRARY PARIS, FRANCE
Typology: Linear
Journey of the 5 Senses
Remembrance
: sense of reminiscing the past
through design and materiality.
Vitalization
: enormous windows lights up
the sparks of expectations of
life
The Long Run
: it longitudinal interior space enhances one’s
sense of hope and continuity in knowledge in
the library
