urban office architecture's new jersey church is formed with concrete and glass

urban office architecture’s new jersey church is formed with concrete and glass
all images courtesy of urban architecture office

located in englewood, new jersey, this church completed by new york-based firm urban office architecture symbolizes the relationship between man and nature. led by architect carlo enzo, the scheme serves as peaceful space of worship, by constantly connecting with its natural surroundings through the use of glass surfaces and the landscape areas throughout.

concrete, glass and dark wood detailing are the main components of the building

the church instills a contemporary expression – unlike typical designs of spaces of worship – highlighted by the heavy use of concrete and glass which are the main materials utilized to sculpt the geometric structure. a dark timber paneling wraps the only curving form of the building, which protrudes from the front façade. altogether, the building conveys an orbiting presence and a cyclical movement that has been created to ‘bring the experience of a higher being as a subjective decision yet an inevitable one.’

a bell tower can be accessed only by a bridge, with a concealed entrance

at human scale, the bell tired rises as the tallest form; accessed through a bifurcated bridge through to a discrete and concealed opening. in the space below, the place of prayer is distinctive due to its use of reflection and transparency; a glass envelope as the metaphor of human frailty supported by the structural strength of the cross of christ. the large floating structure supports the glass, while inviting morning light reflected from the floor. above, ‘the chapel of the sky’ gives a heavenly dimension of thought and its connection with the horizon.

‘symbolically the church expresses the idea that in his infinite desire man turns his gaze to the creator as the bond of relentless freedom.’ explains carlo enzo, principal designer of urban office architecture. ‘as the stars would move one’s perception of the firmament about, the eyes of the worshiper is presented the divine image of christ to move the viewer’s gaze up, as a symbol of a life in the presence of a quotidian verticality.’

the holy spirit church is located in the city of englewood, USA

landscaped courtyards serve as spaces of rest and socialization

the main worship space has a constant visual connection to the  natural surroundings through a full height glass wall

the structure floats above a water feature

bridges connect different areas of the church together

the crypt hidden under the floor supports the structure through the two columns in a V configuration

above the main church area is a gallery space, which one can access the sky chapel

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church of the holy spirit
location: englewood, new jersey, usa
design: 2013-2015
construction cost: $28m
size: 80,000sf
principal architect: carlo enzo
team members:
wamaris rosario
morteza ramezani
pedro camara