>> B LU EPRINT The façade of the new Christian Revival Church in Fourways emphasises one of its most impressive features - the spiral ramp that connects all three levels of the building - to give the building a landmark quality.
The new Christian Revival Church on Witkoppen Road in Fourways, designed by DBM Architects, took inspiration from stadium design to accommodate its large congregation.
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he new Christian Revival Church (CRC) in Fourways has been designed to accommodate services of up to 6 000 people. The church required a new, bigger flagship premises, which could also provide the model for future churches throughout the country. The design team, led by DBM Architects’ Wynand du Plessis, found themselves working on a scale reminiscent of a stadium, but at the same time had to create a building with a welcoming, homely atmosphere. First and foremost, CRC required a world-class auditorium able to accommodate its large community including a children’s church and youth centre, plus facilities for recording and broadcasting sermons. The building also needed to include an administrative wing.
Contemporary church PHOTOGRAPHY PIERRE BASSANI
In addition to the open-air parking, an 8 000m2 parking facility was required to accommodate more than 1 100 cars on a restricted site. The site for the building is on a prominent corner along the main artery of Witkoppen Road, visible from all directions of travel. Its public face was designed to have a landmark quality, while being clearly legible and transparent to the public. The architects’ solution was to isolate and celebrate certain elements of the building. The triple-volume glass façade is open, transparent and welcoming. It allows southern light to flood into the entrance atrium and main public space while it offers visually arresting views from the inside. One of the building’s most visually (and structurally)
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impressive features is the spiral ramp that connects all four levels of the building, including the basement parking, and provides safe and comfortable vertical access for all users, including those in wheelchairs.
Above: The triple-volume entrance atrium creates an impressive arrival and gathering area at the entrance of the building. The roof structure is made up of curved triangular ‘Toblerone’ main support structures with varying spans.
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