Iljuk Presbyterian Church / Oh Jongsang

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The important concept of composing the building is to segment one volume and insert three gardens in between. This allows light to enter deep into the building and creates airflow. An entrance garden, pine tree garden, and moss garden have different purposes and play unique roles in the adjacent interior spaces: The entrance garden draws the city road into the center of the building and creates a lively entrance sequence. The pine tree garden is located next to the restaurant, adding a rich feeling to the interior with light, wind, and trees. The moss garden allows soft north-facing light to flow into the chapel, making it a space of calm contemplation.Although it is a low, single-story building, the height of each part was varied to give the exterior a rhythmic feel, and the variation of the high and low ceilings inside provides a unique spatial experience. The piloti space was placed on the front road to widen the city streets. As the streets widened, the speed of the city slowed down, and became a more walkable place. By placing benches there, it became a new place for neighbors to rest.Text description provided by the architects.Although it is a church building, we tried to restrain religious symbols from being used excessively and rethought the forms and spaces that were habitually applied. Instead of installing a large cross high in the sky, we placed a small and humble cross on the floor.The three cylindrical columns supporting the front piloti symbolize the doctrine of the Trinity. The wall where light pours in under the front skylight of the worship room was painted red, symbolizing the blood of Christ and giving the space a sense of vitality.