Simple and minimal, the church space of the Jinan Changzhuang Church by Archipoetry Studio is abstracted into a basic building block. With limited decoration, structural design was carefully considered from the outset with the architect controlling the column spacing and column cross-sections to ensure the main hall presents a classical, symmetrical and rhythmic spatial atmosphere.
In the main façade of the building, U-shaped glass with vertical lines is used, combined with the cross shape of the steel structure. The simple design move results in a visually upward feeling force.
The exterior of the building is a dark colour, to ensure durability and integration in the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, interior materials include fair-faced concrete columns and red brick walls. The concave/convex treatment of brick walls lends a unique texture to the walls while providing a certain degree of sound absorption.
The building’s air conditioning and other equipment are concealed in the wooden grille seats on both sides. This not only meets functional comfort requirements but also increases the available seat capacity inside. The solid wood seats are designed to be as simple and possible.
The lighting scheme focuses on the architectural design of the church. Restrained and rational, there are as far as possible no visible light fixtures in the main hall. Only light strips are installed on the upper side of the brick walls on both sides of the church. At night, light on both sides illuminates the entire roof, which in turn illuminates the entire main hall space. In the daytime, indoor lighting requirements can be met through the skylights alone.
Simultaneously, the staggered design treatment of skylights and side windows allows the light and shadows of the room to change continuously with the flow of time. On the other side, light penetrating through the stained glass and array of beams and columns on the interior walls and roof create a warm but powerful religious space atmosphere.
