Emmanual Evangelical Free Church
Rennovation & Addition
2011
This design study, based on the recent work of Emmanuelle Moureaux Architecture + Design, is a manifestation of the congregations' vision to create an environment and atmosphere that is welcoming and inviting, as well as beautiful and inspiring. The project is a 38, 000 sqft addition to the south side of an existing 48,000 sqft church building that also functions during the week as a playschool. Beyond using the expansion to create a beautiful and inviting space, the project has demanding requirements of space needs and flexibility in addition to a limited budget.
The new building has 5 main user blocks: the Administration Office, the Youth Annex, the Multi-Purpose/ Classroom space, and the Pre-School, all anchored around the Chapel which sits in tandem with the existing sanctuary. Each space is seen as an worship space where the user will feel liberated to worship in their own way, appealing to all age groups from children to "college years" to seniors. Each program block is identified through the use of colour and light; specifically, by way of bringing light into the spaces though varying depths, shapes, colours and sizes of apertures. The intention is to use natural light as a material that depicts, illuminates and reflects the spirit of the unique worshiper and program spaces. </