Introduction
Situated within the China Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (CEGST) Bade Campus in the Bade District of Taiwan, the CES Chapel stands as a spiritual haven and architectural marvel. Designed by JJP Architects & Planners and completed in 2020, this chapel embodies serenity and sacredness, offering a sanctuary for worship and reflection.
Architectural Significance
The CES Chapel, spanning an area of 2983 m², serves as the heart of the campus, symbolizing spiritual growth and communal gathering. With a capacity of 750 seats and an expandable double-height atrium, the chapel accommodates various congregational needs, fostering a sense of inclusivity and connection.
Spatial Composition
Comprising three distinct spaces, the chapel’s design is a testament to thoughtful spatial organization. The lobby serves as a pre- and post-service gathering area, fostering community engagement. The nave, inspired by Gothic cathedrals, offers an intimate setting for worship, characterized by soaring arches and a column-free layout. In contrast, the apse exudes spirituality through its monolithic design, featuring warm natural granite and a cross-shaped opening symbolizing divine presence.
Architectural Elements
Drawing inspiration from Gothic architecture, the nave boasts a column-free space with soaring arches, creating a ribbed vault effect. Steel columns and buttresses support a long-span diagrid slab system, ensuring structural integrity while integrating acoustic and air-conditioning systems seamlessly. The apse, clad in natural granite, radiates spirituality, illuminated by soft natural light that penetrates through a cross-shaped opening.
Spiritual Illumination
Natural lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the chapel’s ambiance, with clerestory windows diffusing light throughout the space. The east-facing stone façade bathes the chapel in morning light, infusing it with a spiritual aura and projecting a luminous cross deep into the interior, symbolizing divine presence and enlightenment.
Conclusion
The CES Chapel in Bade District, Taiwan, transcends its architectural significance to become a spiritual sanctuary deeply rooted in communal worship and reflection. With its meticulous design, inspired by Gothic cathedrals and infused with natural light, this chapel embodies the timeless connection between spirituality, architecture, and the human experience.
