Concepts & Design (entry) paragraaf 5

The initial design consisted of a number of separate niches that created a sense of intimacy and seclusion for visitors and that allowed visitors to withdraw into the chapel, moving out of the line of sight of the public space nearby. Unfortunately, the space available turned out to be too limited for the multiple niche design. The definitive design reduces their number to one niche at the entrance, which serves as a vestibule. Its purpose is to mark the transition from all the activity outside to the stillness of the sanctuary, a sort of transitional area like the narthex in some churches. A semicircular wall sets the niche off from the chapel proper, and those meditating inside will hear a new visitor enter before seeing them. This curved wall of the entry niche also serves both as a welcoming form for visitors and as a sound barrier, reflecting sound back at those entering the niche, so that they are confronted with the noise they are making. The vestibule allows visitors to quiet down and shake off the activity and commotion of the outside world before proceeding further into the chapel. The vestibule also contains a water element with a dual purpose: the fountain provides the calming sound of gently flowing water and it muffles outside noise. At the threshold between the vestibule and the inner sanctuary, the word "rust" is inscribed, which in Dutch means both "serenity" and "quiet."