Filling the void: A spiritual urban intervention.

摘要

How can the spiritual aspects of a Mennonite Brethren Church be integrated into the inner city fabric of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada? This thesis seeks to investigate the relationship between a Christian denomination, steeped in a tradition of modest living and peacemaking, and an eastern Canadian city known for its port and military character. It furthermore pursues an architectural solution to the problem of religious isolation within an urban context and provides an architectural means of integration.; Even though integration of any architectural work can be dealt with physically—by use of massing, materials, and pedestrian circulation—this thesis strives to go a step beyond and understand the social dynamics intrinsic to architectural works. Attention is given to three major spaces that work together to draw the public of the city in and draw the private congregation out to meet on common ground. These spaces include: a cafe, kitchen, and worship space, in addition to other supporting spaces. The kitchen serves as the common ground, which accommodates the universal daily ritual of eating while symbolically representing the spiritual ritual of Communion. Understanding the spatial and social relationship and quality of these spaces to the public and the congregation is vital. They are the physically and spiritually connected places for social occasions. Furthermore, their interaction is a microcosm of the larger relationship between sacred and profane—the spiritual and secular worlds of Halifax.; The final design accommodates and heightens this relationship and enables an integration of the Mennonite Brethren Church into the city fabric. This occurs through architectural gestures, which suggest to the public that the building is not solely a place of spiritual refuge for its congregants but is a place open to all where physical and spiritual needs can be met.