Crystal Cathedral, Garden Groove and Wayfarers Chapel - Research Paper Example

Arch October 3, 2nd RESEARCH PROPOSAL In my research, I choose two discrete buildings to compare to Tikal architecture. The two buildings are Crystal Cathedral, Garden Groove and Wayfarers chapel, which are used for worship in the modern world. The principal reason why I chose these two buildings is due to their unique, eye catching structure that shares some aspects with Tikal architecture. Nevertheless, there are other minor reasons why I choose these two buildings; they are houses of worship, the have an architectural Pattern that is comparable to the elements of Tikal architecture. Lastly, I chose these two buildings because the architects who designed these building were revolutionary professionals in American architecture hence their impact on modern architecture. My intention is to compare these two structures to Tikal architecture from a visual interpretation, that is, a visual analysis of these structures. The various architectural styles and patterns employed in early days as well modern days depict a society’s way of life especially religious life. For instance, the tikal architectural design were adjusted in such a way to incorporation nature and worship of God The Wayfarers Chapel was designed by Lloyd Wright and was completed in the year 1951. This architectural structure is located at Rancho Palos Verdes, California. This structure is mostly notable because of its modern unique architectural design and its location at the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it is part of the Swedenborgian Church of America and is used as a memorial to its founder, Emanuel Swedenborg. Lloyd Wright, the architect given credit for this structure began designing it in the late years of the 1940s and construction began in the year 1949 and lasted for several years until the year 1951 when it was completed. In developing this design, Lloyd wanted to create a serene environment where travelling Christians would take a rest and be close to nature and to God. His inspiration came from the Redwood forest in California. He had visited a restaurant within the forest with tree branches bending over the building and he was awed by this scenes. Similar to most of Lloyd Wright’s building the structural incorporates the natural landscape into its design and features magnificent modern designs. The design for this building is a “tree chapel” set amongst trees, a natural sanctuary. This is a quintessential structure of organic architecture. The architect used glass to allow natural light, natural growth, the adjacent sea and the sky to create the sense of a serene place and different it wit the outer space. The surrounding trees formed a framework and a part of the architectural design of the building. This setting of trees, the glass, and the water body beyond (Pacific Ocean) provides a sacred setting in which nature and architecture amalgamates to celebrate the charisma of God. Thus, the Wayfarer’s chapel successfully depicts the pattern and design of organic architecture which combines design with the landscape. This is the most is the outstanding aspect of organic architecture (Ching, Jarzombek, & Prakash, 2011). . In comparison to Tikal architecture, the Wayfarers chapel is a quite different since it is solely made in organic architecture pattern, which uses glass as construction materials unlike Tikal architecture which involved use of stone blocks and other mineral such as limestone. However, these two forms of architecture that is, organic architecture and Tikal architecture have a common aspect of landscape incorporation into the structural designs. For instance, the Tikal architecture in classical and preclassical periods the Mayan people inclined their buildings of worship to the movement of the sun to express their adoration of God hence the linkage of serenity of the places of worship to nature (Ching, Jarzombek, & Prakash, 2011). The Wayfarer’s Chapel geometric designs have an axis blending in the way the glass panels are aligned. This architectural emphasis is comparable to the Tikal architecture which aligned the blocks of stones in an axial pattern to factor in the landscape hence accommodate the connection of nature and architecture. In addition, the indoor and outdoor design integration are evident in the design of the Wayfarers Chapel the geometry of glass panel are aligned at angles that form a union with nature hence natural light, the sky and the tree vegetation are integrated into the pattern. Thus space within forms the sanctified space giving a sense of inner space. This is also evident in Tikal architecture. For instance, the Temple IV was adjusted with compass direction to integrated interior design with the outdoor design hence integration of nature, the movement of the sun which was a way of appreciating and glorifying God (Francis J. W & Pope John Paul II 2004). Another similarity of this building with the architecture of in Tikal is that it was used to commemorate leaders. Some of the features build in the Mayan city were to commemorate great leaders and noblemen. The Wayfarer chapel was build as a memorial to Emmanuel Swedenborg. He was a scientist and theologian of the 17th century. It was from his bible illumination and revelation that he revealed to the Christians of his time led to supporting church denomination the Swedenborgian Church. This church contribution saw to the construction and completion of this architectural work. The bringing of nature inside the church with trees and the sky and sea beyond would enable the members of congregation to be protected and at the same time have the external experience of the natural atmosphere. This would bring them closer to God since one can see the hands of God in nature compared to worshipping in a church full of the work of hands of men. The Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove building is located in Los Angeles California. The building was erected in the period between 1978 to 1980. The structure is solely made of the glazed space and frame walls construction system. This is a modern style that utilizes envelope symmetrical plan and asymmetrical sections. The structural was designed by Philip Johnson. Admittedly, the structural is a striking mega church and it resembles a four pointed luminary. The structure measures sixty three by one hundred and twenty five metres and rises forty metres high. It was build to accommodate both the people who walked in and drove to the church with ample car packing within the church building. This building unlike the architecture of Tikal which had no form of modern technology and were build with stone tools, the crystal cathedral is a complete depiction of modern technological development in architecture. It has a souring height with glittering surfaces being among the world largest building made of glass. It has a star shape, the pulpit is made of rich marble and it has huge sliding glass door. The reflection of the light on the walls makes it look like a large television. The glass tower makes it stand out from the surrounding buildings. The walls are semi open. This has enabled for the congregation to participate in t e service while they are still in their cars. Philip Johnson depicted his architectural prowess in the design of this structure especially in the use of crystalline shapes and glass-covered galleries and auditoriums. The structure was designed into primary geometry to emerge a four-pointed luminary with self-supporting balconies in three distinct locations and the channel in the fourth. The structure connects with nature by use of thousand panes suspended on a space-frame like an enormous transparent tent. The glass material is reflective is reflective and allow only adequate light to penetrate. This renders a cool and serene atmosphere (Adams 2010). This building does not require air conditioning. This is also enhanced by the fact that the building frame is made of steel which brings a cooling effect within the building. This is because it has widows that open thermostatically allowing air to flow in an out. In comparison to Tikal architecture, the crystal cathedral can be analysed from its geometric design that integrates symmetrical plan and asymmetrical section to connect with nature whereas the Tikal architecture used axial pattern and alignment with the compass direction. In regards to construction materials, the crystal cathedral grove church building is solely made of crystalline glass in contrast to Tikal architecture which employed cut stones (Ching, Jarzombek, & Prakash, 2011). Just like the decorations in Tikal which were used to commemorate important people and events in the Mayan history, The Crystal cathedral has some statues which serve the same purpose. On the southern side of the church gardens are statues of Job and Jesus as the good shepherd. In conclusion, the architecture of Tikal is seen to be comparable with the modern form of architecture such as the Crystal cathedral and the Wayfarer chapel in many ways. Whereas the Tikal design utilised the axial technique in construction of the buildings, the modern architecture have uses the asymmetrical and symmetrical technique. In comparison with the modern designs, it can be seen that the Tikal design was very advanced considering that they were constructed in the Stone Age period where most of the current technologies in architecture had not been discovered. It can be observed that architecture related to building places of worship have been given a lot of thought starting with the Mayan time were the temples and pyramids which had some religion significance were the most prominent buildings. References Adams Laurie. Art Across Time. McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. December 2 2010. Canadian Museum of Civilizaion (2010a). Maya civilization: Cities of the Ancient Maya. 1 Oct. 2012. Web. Canadian Museum of Civilization (2010b). Maya civilization: Astronomy. 1 Oct. 2012. Web. Ching, F., Jarzombek, M., & Prakash, V. A Global History of Architecture. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. Print.  Francis J. W & Pope John Paul II. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Saint Francis Historical Society. 2004. Print. Lees, S. 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