top of page
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.

​

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.

Conceptual view of the ceremony with the chapel in backdrop

Plan

Staircase Alley

Altar

Entrance

1:20 scale model

Conceptual view if the chapel in the Bailuwan valley

© 2025 by Adhish Parkar.

bottom of page