Cornerstone Auditorium is a conversion from an existing nightclub in a mall into an auditorium used mainly for Christian services. We translated the idea of “Ruach” – the breath of life – into a sculptural interior defined by fluid lines and luminous, expansive volumes. With its users being Pentecostal church members, the design takes inspiration from traditional church vaults and aims to symbolise sacred space where heaven and earth meet.
Materially, the design balances light and dark: a luminous white acoustic ceiling contrasts with timber wall panels and a dark carpeted floor, focusing attention on the stage while maintaining warmth. The ceiling, formed from just three modular components, overlaps to create folded geometries that integrate lighting and air distribution seamlessly. Timber acoustic panels extend this language, concealing services and aligning airflow with the grain. Above, a concealed catwalk enables maintenance, ensuring technical performance and spatial clarity are resolved as a unified architectural system.
The concept of “Ruach”—breath of life—is embedded directly into the geometry, shaping both form and experience. The rippled ceiling introduces a rare sense of movement, activating the auditorium even when unoccupied. This dynamism is achieved with notable restraint: just three modular components generate a continuous, expressive surface through repetition and precise detailing.
Integration is key to the project’s strength. Lighting and air distribution are seamlessly concealed where the ceilings overlap, reinforcing the idea of a space that “breathes,” where environmental systems become part of architectural language rather than separate elements.
Minimal house lights are required for the auditorium with the use of light coloured finishes for the ceiling and walls. Air-conditioning for the auditorium spaces are minimised with the cool air being emitted at low levels where the seating is, reducing the overall airconditioning load for the voluminous auditorium.
Clarity of organisation further enhances its success as a social space. Symmetry and a central focal point provide intuitive orientation, while the sculptural envelope fosters a shared, collective experience.
From entrance to auditorium, the architecture guides movement through a sequence of flowing, curved forms that shape both circulation and experience. A sculptural stone wall draws visitors into the foyer, where a dramatic curved LED screen leads visitors to the auditorium. Sculptural crevices carved out in the circulation create catchment areas for fellowship and reflection, further enhanced through soft lighting and material. The space is turned into
Ultimately, the project stands out for its disciplined synthesis of concept, form, performance, and craft—moving beyond conventional auditorium design through coherence rather than spectacle alone.
