Clarity of ideas creates strong, memorable places
The Church of St Mary of the Angels demonstrates the depth and richness embedded in architecture and urban design, regardless of the physical size. Central to the project is the idea of building acommunity in relation to its surroundings, which infuses the experience of space, light and nature with spiritual and social significance. Although the material palette is muted, the design is never too austere, allowing flexibility for secular or social activities in the central plaza. At the detailed level, the design displays an in-depth understanding of the individual’s needs for inner sanctum. The design draws deeply from early liturgy and traditions, yet proves to be one of the most forward-looking, nuanced expressions of our modern times, context and climate.
“…an excellent design that stands out from the rest. A viewer of the building is immediately captivated by its architectural expression - the linkway as a rhythmic open sided concrete colonnade; the existing cellular building of regular white cubic forms with perforated aluminum sun-screening and overhangs; and the looser, linking forms of planar, rough-textured brown walls that fold and intersect, inspired by the brown fabric of the Franciscan robes. The idea of the building as a community is well thought through and is evident from the connectivity of the central community space to the other sub-communities. All these elements provide spiritual uplift, befitting the character of a church.”
Architects:
Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell (Team Leaders),
Esther Soh, Sim Choon Heok, Alina Yeo, Puiphai Khunawat, Punpong Wiwatkul,
Phyllis Chua, Janita Han, Lee Li Leng, Gerry Richardson
WOHA Architects Pte Ltd
Owner: Franciscans, Order of Friars Minor, Custody of St Mary
Civil & Structural Engineer: Adrian Billinghurst
Worley Parsons Pte Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Andrew Tang
AE&T Consultants
Quantity Surveyor: Peter Tan
A. Peter Tan Associates Pte Ltd
Building Contractor: Lim Chap Huat
Soil Build Pte Ltd
Interior Contractor: K H Tan
Shanghai Chong Kee Furniture & Construction Pte Ltd
