Like every church, Genesis was designed to stand out like a beacon but without a network of swingbridges, the project could have been hindered by its height. However, the floating chapel's 12ft roof can be lowered the push of a button, allowing the high-tech House of God to navigate th bridges and tunnels across the network. With comparisons ranging from campervan to immense church bellows, the sailcloth roof rises to create a mobile meeting space in the Diocese of London's St Columba East community in London. As well as serving as a space for a church, the barge is designed with a bespoke and adaptable interior to accommodate a wide range of community activities and services, including parent and toddler groups, Pilates classes and art classes, interfaith celebrations, lunch and supper clubs, live music, employment training, support counselling and workshops. Christened Genesis, she was designed by London-based architects Denizen Works with Turks Shipyard and naval architect Tony Tucker. The raised roof concertinaed, translucent sailcloth, and is lined with LED lights and powered by hydraulic rams. When fully raised, the roof will transform the barge from compact and low-lying, allowing it to pass beneath bridges, expanding into an illuminated beacon designed to capture attention and attract footfall to the mission. Operated by the touch of a button, in its raised position it increases the head height of the barge to 3.6m at its highest point, creating a dramatic interior which is accessible to all.
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