Religion is an expression of social cohesion, it helps maintain solidarity through shared beliefs and rituals. Religious morals and norms have shaped the lives of people for times immemorial. The effect of religion on architecture is visibly imminent throughout history.
In the past, faith was interpreted in a straightforward sense, through concrete representations of the aspects of a religion. In today’s context, it is possible to exhibit our faith and beliefs in a symbolic capacity.
As art is capable of creating visible images of stories, myths, and dreams, architecture is capable of reflecting the ideologies of people’s culture. Intangible aspects of religion are manifest in the architecture of religious structures in some form.
In the past, replication of the forms and beliefs of religion was widely practiced. But the present is enamored with technology and advancement, the way of representation can be more cerebral and convoluted.
The Monastery church was rebuilt in the Gothic style of architecture in the 13th century. The shell was in the process of being built but it was weakened due to the erosion from wind and rain. The church has carried its legend for over 700 years now, and it is time to continue the story through a contemporary structure of this day.
Brief: The challenge of the competition is to design a chapel on the grounds of the Whitby Abbey inspired by the church on-site, but suited to the 21st-century context.
The aim of the challenge is to revamp the traditional chapel design and create a new structure that is set in a well-preserved and historically significant context. The visual impact must be exemplary with standout features.
The construction must have minimal impact on its natural environment. Hosting a public function, space must promote safe interaction among people with access to all faiths and communities. The design of the new chapel must be in harmony with its surrounding landmarks.
Design Objectives
Condensing: The aspects of religion must be embedded in a modern way.
Linking: The new construction must not diminish the old ruins and neighboring heritage sites. The ruins of Whitby Abbey church are the source of inspiration, but mimicry is to be avoided.
Eco – Sensitivity: The site area is popular for eco-tourism and hence the chapel design must be reflective of this.
Aging: Religious sites are intended to last for expansive durations and their eventual aging must be addressed.
Awards:-
Prize pool of worth 24000$
The prize pool is dependent on the total number of registrations received. Please check the awards and fees section to learn more about it. There will be a total of 100 (20%) entries that will be shortlisted for the final awards. All the shortlisted entries will be entitled to e-certificates.
Deadline:- 27-12-2021
