Located on top of a hill of Ordos, planned as a green open space for the city, the project takes its inspiration from the topography of the land. The surrounding landscape offers a strong contrast of colours and depth, creating a rich changing background from day time to night time for the church’s settlement. It sets framed views of the church in an unusual landscape of excavated rocks suitable to a city like Ordos, in Inner Mongolia.

The scheme, named “Dove of Peace”, gives its metaphor and poetry to the church by re-interpreting a contemporary and abstract silhouette of a bird carrying an Olive branch within its beak. The Church has a concrete structure and uses white crepi finish for its facades. Its dynamic shape follows the adjacent curved road that crosses the site. The dialogue between the outside and the inside space is emphasized by the play of shadow and light that creates complexity and depth in the space. Its elements are thought to reflect harmony and tranquillity in this place for prayer and celebration.

Project Data

Client:
Ordos City Planning Administration Bureau

Location: Ordos, China
Date: 2009

Credits & Copyrights

Design / Images / Text:
Beijing Sunlay Architectural Design Office

Source:
Beijing Sunlay Architectural Design Office