Concepts & Design paragraaf 3

In designing a non-denominational chapel, for me the space itself remained key. I didn't want to place an "extra" work of art in the space, but to make the space itself into a work of art. There is little place for reflection in our society, so what I had in mind was to literally and figuratively make room for quiet contemplation here, in the middle of a busy nursing home in multicultural Delfshaven.

The goal of this chapel project is to provide a visually subdued and serene space where everyone can feel at ease. The emphasis is on what makes people the same inside rather than on their religious differences. Instead of using a myriad of different symbols connected with specific religions and cultures, I chose to employ universal symbols found in religious architecture. The circle, given its cyclical form, a line without beginning and without end, is used to symbolize heaven or eternal rebirth. Mobile liturgical objects were created so the chapel could be temporarily customized for use by specific religious groups. Special attention was paid to wheelchair and hospital bed accessibility.