Church of Christ the King Nantou City

Church of Christ the King Nantou City

The church is personal journey. It is also not just a place of worship, but a place of congregation and community. This site is remarkable because of its location on a simple residential street. It emphasizes the importance of serenity in a place of worship, where worshippers come here for self-reflection and spiritual well-being.

We have designed a building that blends in with its surroundings, while also creating an iconic and memorable presence for those who use the building. Its shape is derived from a very practical planning of the site, that is to divide it into left and right sides for the worship hall and service areas respectively, and a front and back for open spaces such as a plaza and a parking lot. Due to the shape of the building, it can be constructed in two phases. This will reduce the impact of construction on the operations of the church and the kindergarten. The connecting bridge provides shelter from rain and sun at the entrances, but also passageway for cars to access the parking lot. The first phase will be a services building with its residences, office, multipurpose room functions, while the second phase will be the worship spaces. Such a building will be a new landmark not just for the city but also for Taiwan and the Catholic community.

The church was established in 1953, and has evolved into a compound that includes a 3-story kindergarten building, a small office pavilion, residence quarters, and the worship hall. The worship hall was rebuilt from ground up when its original building collapsed during the 921 earthquake in 1999. The current worship hall is largely inadequate for long-term use and requires a new facility that consolidates all functions on the plot in a more efficient manner. The new site would also have to allow access to a 729 m2 parking lot at the back of the site without compromising the daily functions of the church and kindergarten.

ICON AND MEMORY

The building is designed to be a new icon for the city and a landmark for worshippers. Its stark but simple entrance is in contrast with its surrounding neighbors, creating a unique sense of welcome for visitors. Even though a large proportion of the building is hidden behind the kindergarten, the church’s presence is amplified through a bell tower of elegant proportions. Its shape and creases form a crucifix that can be seen from afar.

SPIRITUALITY

The primary goal of this House of God is to create a sanctuary for private and group worship, away from the cacophony beyond the building walls. Worshippers enter through an open grotto-like forecourt to take a pause and slow down, before entering the worship nave. Diffused natural daylight lights up the interior by striking the walls and floors finished in natural stone, wood, and brass.

COMMUNITY

The space is planned not only for liturgise on weekends, but also in its daily social use for its congregation. Because a majority of the worshippers are senior citizens, the church can be a common venue for them to come together, hold various activities, and seek companionship from one another. The church can be not only a place of worship but also a center for the community.