In their proposal for University of North Florida’s Interfaith Chapel, OAD concluded that the main challenge was to create more than just an impressive chapel, but a place in and of itself that would highlight the unique character and seclusion of the site. The team’s response engages visitors by encouraging unscripted exploration and discovery, gradually revealing the site, chapel, and accessory buildings as the user experience unfolds. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The design competition sought designs for a non-denominational facility to host meetings, meditations, weddings, and other intimate events. Situated in a remote corner of the busy outer-Jacksonville campus, the site commands an elevated peninsula on a small lake. Encircled by a ring of protective pine trees, the area enjoys a unique moment of seclusion amid the otherwise bustling campus, despite being located at a major vehicular entry point. The secluded nature of the site could be considered a disadvantage in connecting with the public and students who, without other cues would remain oblivious to the facility’s existence. To remove the encircling foliage and reveal the site, however, would destroy its beauty, tranquility, and seclusion.
