c3 ABSTRACT REVISED

11.18.2004

The impact of architecture has had great influence upon humanity throughout the ages and it continues today. One of the few remaining building types today that allow the creative and artistic aspects of architecture to shine prominently is church design. Therefore, my thesis project is a place of worship: a complex for both worship and education.

Architectural issues to be researched and incorporated into the design of my Church and Christian Academy include castle architecture, sustainable design, and spirituality.

Sustainable design has been a growing trend in the United States – following in the footsteps of Europe. Benefits for incorporating green architecture may include reduced capital costs, reduced operating costs, health and productivity benefits, higher perceived value and quality, and staying ahead of regulations. Originally found predominantly in residential architecture, larger commercial buildings have even more potential for sustainability and recycling possibilities. I plan to incorporate these issues into my complex by using natural materials, methods and designs that will increase the efficiency of energy use and attempt to create a cyclical pattern of resources. My ideas for materials to be used are based on the original design of medieval castles: mainly stone – which I feel can be reconciled with a “modern” structure.

Castle construction theories can be important to sustainability due to its environmentally-friendly materials used and its extremely long lifespan of holding up to the elements (although initial costs may be significant). The high point for castles was between 900 and 1500 A.D. A castle’s original function was not for protection but for domination. The castle’s range of influence typically included a minimal twenty-five-mile radius. I intend my castle complex to be a dominant structure in the Detroit area and be an influential part of society as well as become inviting and alluring. Medieval castles were also personal – belonging to a king or baron; monasteries were built in the same style and construction. Religion and spirituality were important parts of people’s lives centuries ago, and have undergone many changes throughout the years.

As a way to attract people to the complex, and even more important – to learn about Christianity, the spirituality of the facility will be a major focus. The concept would be to draw on people’s curiosity, but not to intimidate anyone. It is the architect’s role, along with the pastor and building committee (forming the troika), to create an edifice that combines a sense of majesty and transcendence of God with sensitivity to the human body and spirit. I specifically chose to make the complex associated with The Wesleyan Church because that is the denomination of which I am a member.

For the site of my complex, I investigated Michigan’s Renaissance Zones. One of the nine sub-zones is a 67.8-acre area in Detroit’s “Central City.” I have chosen an area of approximately 8.58 acres nearest the northwest interchange of interstates I-75 and I-94. This location allows the reuse of existing land in the city of Detroit and is important to my complex in that it is a highly visible location next to two major highways. The preparation of this site may include some demolition of an existing abandoned building that is in very poor condition.

Essential key words, or drivers used to describe aspects of my project include the following: community, protection, draw together, shelter, sanctuary, welcoming, castle, influential, sustainability, longevity, highly-visible, monumental, massive, spiritual, majestic, and beacon.