AZL architects builds the nanjing wangjing chapel out of symmetry and light

AZL architects build the nanjing wangjing chapel out of symmetry and light
image © yao li

japanese practice AZL architects has just completed the nanjing wangjing garden chapel reflecting beautifully in the adjacent nanjing river.  the chapel is really only built of three materials: wood, embedded geometries, and light. a framed structure braced with minimal amounts of steel was chosen due to economic and time constraints as it is readily available and easily constructed. the versatility of the wood is also key in translating the concept of light into physical form. a 200m2 footprint wrapped in almost tensiled timber strats forms the outer screen that marks the entry into a spiritual space. surrounding exterior corridor is made up of a tall narrow space filled with filtered light.  the plan of the interior and solid volume is another square turned 45 degrees from the overall footprint.  here, exposed timber planks making up the canopy draw endless lines through space culminating into a thin skylight spanning the entire length of the roof. this linear skylight floods the interior with bright light giving a powerful soul to something made with ordinary materials. 

image © yao li

entry
image © yao li

delicate outer screen forms an implied wall and entry into the chapel
image © yao li

small steel brackets provide support to the slender planks
image © yao li

interior bisected by a skylight
image © yao li

a ray of light travels across the white interior throughout the day
image © yao li

image © yao li

view towards the ceiling
image © yao li

skylight view
image © yao li

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project info:

location: nanjing, jiangsu province, china
architects: zhang lei / azl architects
project team: zhang lei, wang ying, jin xin, cao yongshan, hang xiaomeng, huang longhui
collaborator: adi-nju
project area: 200 sqm
project year: 2014
photographs: yao li