Chapel of the Valley
Type: Professional
Office: junya.ishigami + associates
Year: 2017
Team: Adhish Parkar, Kei Sato, Eythan Levi & Junya Ishigami
Software: Autocad, Rhinoceros, Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator & Indesign
Bailuwan, China
Project Description
The "Chapel of the Valley" is a community sanctuary that employs a powerful, minimalistic design to create a profound spiritual and architectural presence. The project's central feature is a single, soaring concrete wall, rising 150 meters from the ground, which elegantly curls to form a self-supporting loop. This unique form provides both structural stability and a sheltered space for the altar and prayer area.
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The design's strength lies in its experiential qualities. The narrow space between the colossal walls and their immense height creates a sense of awe and reverence, while the rough concrete finish enhances the tactile and visual experience. Beyond its function as a place of worship, the chapel's monumental form acts as a beacon for the Bailuwan community, instilling a sense of protection and spiritual guidance within the valley. It stands as a powerful testament to how simple, impactful architecture can serve as a timeless landmark.






