Light
Form and Order

The aim of the project is to create a chapel on Farmingdale State College campus that serves as a spiritual place for people of all faiths to worship and contemplate life's experiences. In order to achieve this, the college believes that the creative manipulation of light is key. The project focuses on finding ways to control the entry of light into the various chapels from the direction of sunlight. By studying the existing campus site, seasonal light patterns, and angles, a solution has been developed.

Light Background Research

Alvar Aalto, a renowned architect, effectively controls light in Mount Angel Abbey Library through various design elements and strategies.

The building features a series of large windows that allow light to enter the interior spaces. These windows are placed all along the building with interior pieces/designs to guide light. This creates natural light on the inside allowing light to go through and follow a certain direction.

Inside the library, there are multiple interior pieces such as the bookcases used to keep the light angled up to the ceiling. Furthermore, light coming in from the roof is directed to specific directions/areas using the circular slit underneath it as well as beams/columns.

Hierarchy

Main Chapel

Memorial Chapel

Meditation Chapel

Secular

Sorting of Spaces

Religious:

- Main Chapel

- Meditation Chapel

- Memorial Chapel

Secular:

- All Restrooms

- Conference Room 1& 2

- Offices

- Storage Areas

- Help Desk

Contextual Analysis

Sun Angles

Site Selection

Full Site Plan Overview

Zoomed in Overview (Site/Chapel)

This location was chosen due to its convenience for civilians that may want to visit the building. It has easy access to the parking lot behind as well as it is located in the public space for the campus where a lot of traffic flows through. Students may visit any time of the day from any location as it is connected everywhere with the paths. Furthermore, residence halls are located on the back side of the building so any residing students may visit the chapel at any time for any reason.