The Tokyo Church of Christ's main chapel is located on the upper level; its vaulted interior form, translated to the exterior, creates a symbolic skyline within the busy cityscape. Daily use program elements are located on the lower (street) level. The exterior glass skin, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese wood and paper shoji screen, is comprised of two separate layers of glass. The outer layer is translucent glass, and the inner layer is a sandwich of glass and glass fiber tissue. The screen encloses the space with a warm and silent light. The double layers shut out city noise, making the chapel a tranquil, meditative, and sacred space.
Location: |
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
Structural System: |
Reinforced Concrete, Steel Reinforced Concrete, Steel |
Number of Floors: |
1 Basement + 3 Stories |
Total Floor Area: |
2,243m² |
Structural Engineer: |
Kimura Structural Engineers |
Mechanical / Electrical Engineer: |
Sogo Consultants |