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Rwanda Chapel
Rukomo, Rwanda
Public -Religious
Competition
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2019
Our concept combines Rwandan vernacular architecture and art with the core values of the Christian Catholic church together to create a natural and homely space for worshipers, connecting them to the past, present and future. In order to achieve this goal, the design process was developed through the following different stages.
The layout of the chapel is inspired by the region’s circular huts, which have been part of Rwandan culture for generations, mirroring the round structure of local huts. Inspiration was also taken from local art shapes through their spiral designs. A key feature of the concept is sets of threes, and is used in multiple aspects of the design, most significantly in the three key elements of the chapel, bell tower and cross. This resonates additionally with the Doctrine of the Trinity through the three divine persons of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and their relationship to each other.
Also inspired by the vernacular architecture of the region, the form of the chapel consists of three sets of arcs layered over each other above the chapel giving the illusion of a dome.
The hanging chapel roof is defined by three layers of clouded glass in the form of rings which diffuse the sunlight as it enters, protecting the interior of the chapel from direct sun.
A bell tower was used in the design representing one of the three key elements along with the chapel and the cross. It functions not only through its traditional use in a Catholic church, but also due to its alignment with the chapel and cross, acting as a frame above the cross when viewed as people enter the chapel, creating a more holy and spiritual feel. The tower is also supported by three arcs, symbolizing the trinity concept.
The chapel, the bell and the cross together form the three key elements of the design. Although separate, they are all positioned in such a way that as people enter the chapel, they are aligned together. This unity along with the natural mountain backdrop enhances the spirituality of the church. It is only once entering the chapel when this effect is fully revealed.
Because of the high rate of population growth rate in Rwanda, currently at 2.35% for 2019, the unique form of the chapel allows it to be extended over time by removing the innermost arcs with anew arc structure on the outside of the chapel. Each extension will provide 20% more seats to allow for the greater number of worshippers in the locality.
Although the arcs give the illusion of the chapel being closed, gaps between allow the sun and wind to come inside, creating a pleasant atmosphere during hot weather. The roof protects the altar and naves in the rainy seasons. The structure of the chapel arcs have been designed in such a way that as rainwater falls, it is trapped between the two edges of the arc, channeling the water towards two underground tanks via a pipe network beside the chapel storing the rainwater. Given Rwanda’s major problem with supplying clean water to different parts of the country, this can hugely benefit the region, particularly during both drought seasons.
Lime Plaster
- Local material
- Cheaper than concrete plaster
- Natural white touch
- can be modified with latex color
Natural Broken Stone
- Left: Rough broken stone
- Right: finer broken stone
- grayish finishing
Finishing of the Arches
- Inside: White Lime Plaster
- Outside: Small Broken Natural Stones, fixed on Plaster
Rammed Earth Left:
- Outside: Compressed Earth from Site
- Inside: Top 6 cm are mixed with lime to harden the floor
All of the materials used will be locally sourced. These include rammed earth, used for the majority of Rwandan buildings, which will be stabilized with 6% lime to form the floor of the chapel. Lime plaster will be used for the inside and outside edges of the arcs and local stones for the outside face of the arcs. This will give a natural feeling to the building and help it to blend directly with the surrounding environment. A holistic approach will be used in the construction of the chapel, with building techniques compatible with regional tradition. This will allow local people to be significantly involved in the process and should create a feeling of belonging with the chapel becoming part of their culture and identity.
