Here's what we're building.
Compared to previous versions, you will note some significant changes. For one, seating capacity has been increased. By code, at 18" per seat, there are 445 seats in the church. Figuring for very generous and comfortable spacing, at 24" per seat, the figure is 345. We are very confident about this capacity being ample for our congregation.
You'll notice the confessional and the vesting sacristy have switched places. This was a request from Bishop Braxton, and I think it's clearly an improvement. Since our current liturgical practice is for the procession to begin from the rear of the nave, this is the logical place for the vesting sacristy. I also favor having the confessional up front where it is more visible and prominent as congregants prepare for Holy Mass. Perhaps the little green light showing the availability of a confessor will move some to a more frequent practice of this indispensable Sacrament.
A slight slope is currently shown in the nave, of about one foot over the whole length of the seating from the rear to the point where the transepts begin. This will not be uncomfortable for standing or even for processing with a casket on a rolling platform, but it will enhance visibility of the sanctuary from rearward seats. We would like to include this feature, but are awaiting information about the cost.
You will note a choir location on the north side of the rear of the nave. This was found by wide consensus to be the most desirable location once a choir loft was removed from consideration. This area will have chairs (with kneelers) instead of pews, allowing for greater flexibility in arrangement for the choir. Some sort of non-permanent riser installation is not out of the question.
The Baptistery is in the transitional space between the narthex and nave. This transition has been widened significantly. The location of the Baptismal font here strongly expresses the nature of Baptism as our "point of entry" into the Church!
This is very beautiful, but I still like the original renderings.
ReplyDeleteThe Baptismal font in the transept did two things I like. It contributed to the architecture, removing a big, modern fountain from the rear of the nave. It also created a small apse in the transept. That was a really beautiful architectural feature. the texture, both visually and otherwise was very appealing to me.
I also liked the choir loft. From the first drawings, it looked large enough for a substantial choir and a 30-40 rank pipe organ. Where did that space go? Will there still be a tower?
It is still very beautiful, but I'm having a hard time visualizing it.