ECCLESIASTICAL
INDIANAPOLIS
CHICAGO
DENVER
RALEIGH
CHAMPAIGN, IL
ECCLESIASTICAL
An opportunity to contribute to the spiritual life of a worship community is one that continues to inspire the RATIO team. We believe every church is unique in its identity and context. As such, the architectural solution must be individually expressive of each congregation. Often, faith communities are deeply rooted in traditions. That’s why our design team first takes the time to understand these traditions with reverence and respect before setting out to create a contextual building. We’re passionate about creating worship spaces that reflect the highest level of beauty and inspiration, and use a collaborative process to build consensus among diverse groups. As a result, our team is adept at designing spectacular worship spaces that energize and nurture a church community for years to come.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP R A LE IG H, NC
The project is located on a prominent entrance to Raleigh. The program called for the addition of a new second level sanctuary on an existing building that had served as the sanctuary. The congregation asked for a design without literal references to religious iconography. The roof forms over the main gathering spaces are soaring curves, that suggest uplifting and spirituality. The curved plane of the sanctuary roof is separated from the walls by a strip of glass that allows the roof to seem to float above the space. The building has a strong expression of purpose while still maintaining a sensitive relationship to the wooded site. The design uses the slope of the site to create a street level entrance to the second story sanctuary. This enhances the accessibility and street presence of the church. The lobby entrance serves as a connector for the two buildings and as a place for stairs and elevator connecting the two levels of the site. The outdoor space between the two buildings became a courtyard that is a primary gathering place between services and for special activities. The new sanctuary accommodates 400 people for services.
RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH I N DIANAPOLIS, IN
Located in a neighborhood on Indianapolis’ south side, Resurrection Lutheran Church (RLC) expanded its growing congregation and ministry services by doubling the size of their existing building. Within a larger facility, RLC enjoys growth in four program areas that include Worship & Music, Fellowship, Youth & Education, and Administration. The project’s challenging requirement allows for continuous operation and occupancy of the facility during construction. The design concept of “transcendence” tells the story about the importance of the congregation’s history dating back to the 1960s, and also its continued focus on reaching out to the community both through its actions and its architectural aesthetics. The additions were placed in a manner that encourages movement and circulation throughout the expanded interior and a sense of place is created with the introduction of a curvilinear walkway linking key gathering areas. The narthex entry area uses north daylight to energize the café and gathering areas.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH TOWER RESTORATION C OLU M BU S, IN
The First Christian Church (FCC) was built in 1942. It was the first contemporary building in Columbus and one of the first churches in the United States to be built in a contemporary architectural style.The building, designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, consists of a glass-fronted main hall, with a tower and bridge section. Interior details such as light fixtures, screen and furniture were designed by Saarinen’s, Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 2001. The tower is designed in a simple, geometric form with plain brick walls that open into a perforated design at the top. The tower was planned as a separate unit detached from the rest of the church, rising from the terrace level in an unbroken line of 166 feet. RATIO is part of a team that will provide architectural / engineering services to repair and restore the tower. The FCC has received a “Save America’s Treasures” grant from the National Park Service and a Capital Campaign Challenge Grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation to fund, in part, the project.
Above: Eero & Eliel Saarinen
INDIANAPOLIS TEMPLE C HU RCH OF J E SU S CHRIST OF LAT ER - DAY SA IN TS / CA R MEL, IN
The overall landscape design philosophy reflects the importance of the Temple above all, with curving sightlines oriented to the building’s doors. On display is the juxtaposition of growing, changing, organic elements and structured materials such as granite and limestone. These hardscape materials were chosen as much for their beauty as for their symbolic permanence. The Temple’s architecture extends into the landscape itself, with limestone walls and columns becoming benches, planter boxes and pathways throughout the site. The main plaza is arranged for family and community events, keeping in mind that the Temple is a deeply ceremonial place. The interior courtyard is scaled for large groups, while an outer walkway provides space for personal reflection and contemplation. Lastly, a fountain anchors the plaza, designed to be stunning both with water and without during the colder months.
RATIO as Landscape Architect in association with MHTN.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHAPEL HILL C HAPE L HILL, NC
The design team created a twenty-first-century meeting house. A space that is mindful of the church’s historic roots and respectful the congregation’s desire to worship in a modern space. The space is outward reaching yet intimate, calming and inspirational. The plan includes a 5,000 SF sanctuary, a fellowship hall, administrative of fices, classrooms, parking and a playground. Central to the design concept was the response to the site and a connection to the landscape. The site included a long, narrow and steeply sloped area with a stream at its lowest point. Natural light is enhanced by ninety small globes suspended from the ceiling at various heights. Colored light is filtered through small, punched holes in the north wall collecting in jeweled patterns on the smooth, white walls. The lowered ceiling above the choir creates an acoustically superb space.
SAINT BARTHOLOMEW ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH C OLU M BU S, IN
Inspired by its growing congregation and the need to consolidate its worship and educational functions, Saint Bartholomew Roman Catholic Parish hired Ratio to create a master plan for its Saint Columba site. The master plan called for the construction of a new church, administrative offices, and space set aside for a future gymnasium. RATIO secured the commission for the new church following a design competition, and the design process began with a re-examination of the master plan and the goals of the parish community. The new, 900-seat church design incorporates stone materials found on existing campus buildings and a soaring roof structure with generous natural lighting and stained glass. Consistent with the parish’s desire for an inviting and welcoming presence, the entrances and narthex have open views to the surrounding landscape and to a new courtyard located between the new church and the existing school.
INDIANAPOLIS HEBREW CONGREGATION RENOVATION I N DIANAPOLIS, IN
The Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation hired RATIO to design an extensive renovation and addition. The project was completed in phases to allow services to continue during the construction process. The renovation included the worship space and social spaces, existing lobbies, library, the Judaica Shop, the business and clergy offices, and storage rooms. The addition consisted of new north and south entry vestibules on both sides of the main sanctuary, a new connecting corridor between the vestibules, new office space and a new main electrical room. Site work for the project enhanced the two new entrances, developed a new drop-off and canopy space, and created a new parking lot for a more cohesive site layout.
ST. CHRISTOPHER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH C ARM E L, IN
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church had outgrown their original 1950s worship space, as well as their “new” 1986 facility. While their primary need was increased space for worship, education, and fellowship, they also wanted a building that would be a landmark for the community and an image of Episcopal presence. Parishioners expressed a desire for traditional Anglican forms while maintaining the intimate feel of their former church. The proposed design approach included a phased Y-shaped plan, with a clear differentiation among worship, education/administrative, and fellowship wings. In cooperation with the City of Carmel’s plan for the Old Meridian District, the complex is sited near the southeast corner of the site, creating a public plaza reminiscent of a European town square with the front door of the church as its centerpiece, flanked by smaller-scaled wings. Phase One, comprising eleven classrooms and church offices, was completed in 2004. Phase Two, including a 250-seat parish hall, a commercial kitchen, and teen center was completed in 2006. Phase Three, including the worship space and narthex, was completed in 2009.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH I N DIANAPOLIS, IN
Conceived to exemplify the Post Vatican II liturgy, the new 800-seat worship space is wrapped around the altar area in a contemporary fan shape. This arrangement brings the priest out into the space, allowing the parishioners to truly participate in the celebration of the Eucharist. The locations of the reservation chapel and baptistry were shaped both by liturgical needs and extensive discussion with St. Monica’s members. As such, each space was removed from the confines of the worship space. The baptistry, located in the gathering space, permits large groups of parishioners to be gathered around it and heightens the processional ritual. Natural light is a symbolic element in the worship space. Three different openings on the roof enable light to highlight focal points within the space, making each worship service distinct.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH WEST FIE LD, IN
Founded in 1995 as a mission of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Maria Goretti began as a school parish, celebrating Mass in the Parish Hall until a permanent space was built. The first phase included a new 1,500-seat nave, a 100-seat daily chapel, narthex, sacristies and nursery. A second phase will include offices, meeting rooms and a reservation chapel. The new worship space is designed to maximize sightlines, acoustics and intimacy for all worshippers while maintaining a sense of architectural and liturgical tradition. The space is focused around a sacramental axis of font, altar and tabernacle, while votive statuary niches, reconciliation chapels and art glass adorn the margins of the nave. The daily chapel, located directly behind the sanctuary platform, is joined to the nave by an art glass window into which the tabernacle is incorporated and visible from both spaces.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL PRESERVATION PLAN E P I SCOPAL DIOCE SE OF INDIANAPO LIS / IN DIA N A PO LIS, IN
Christ Church Cathedral was designed by William Tinsley and constructed from 1857 1859. The Cathedral is the oldest building on Indianapolis’ Monument Circle and remains an active spiritual, social and cultural center. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 1973 for its significance in the area of religion and as an outstanding representation of the Gothic Revival style of architecture. The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis hired RATIO to complete a preservation plan documenting the condition of the existing features, materials and systems in the building, and to develop short-term and long-term preservation and maintenance recommendations.
CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL TH E CAT HOLIC DIOCE SE OF RALE IGH / R A LEIGH, N C
Cardinal Gibbons High School is a college preparatory private school with an enrollment of 1,236 students. The school was built in 1998 and in 2009 RATIO was commissioned to significantly expand the school, adding a new gym, a black box theater, classrooms and support spaces. The additions allowed the creation of learning commons in multiple locations. With the notion that all circulation spaces should enhance collaboration and community, social and study spaces were developed for the entrance commons and the new classroom addition is organized around a commons, both indoors and outdoors. The master planning focused on creating stronger connectivity between learning spaces and outdoor gathering as well as the creation of an academic quadrangle that strengthens the campus identity.
ST. TIMOTHY’S SCHOOL CAMPUS MASTER PLAN ST. T IM OT HY’S E PISCOPAL CHU RCH / R A LEIGH, N C
St. Timothy is a private college preparatory school serving 463 students in grades Pre-K to 8. The school asked RATIO create a 10-20 year master plan for the renovation and future expansion of the campus’ six existing buildings. To counter the challenges of a landlocked, difficult-to-develop site, the master plan proposed demolishing several of the oldest buildings on campus to open up the site for more design opportunities. A new building would house the school’s exceptional arts program and provide flexible space to be used jointly by the church and school. Lastly, site circulation would be re-arranged to provide safe passage through campus in a method that is accommodating to the surrounding neighborhoods.
JUDAH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL J U DAH CHRIST IAN SCHOOL / CHAMPA IGN , IL
Over the last three decades, Judah Christian has developed into one of the premier schools in East Central Illinois, distinguished by its unique PreK-12 educational format and Christ-centered school environment. As part of its new 51-acre campus, Judah plans to construct a school building in time for the 2018-19 academic year, providing a modern, innovative educational environment for students to thrive spiritually, academically, athletically and creatively. The building, oriented for optimal natural daylighting, is organized around a two-story central commons that will serve as a gathering space for students, parents, and the community. The commons will support a range of activities from dining to chapel to collaborative study, echoing an overarching theme of flexibility, interaction, and collaborative learning. An outdoor courtyard formed by the two classroom wings will provide a secure space for play and gathering. The campus’ master plan allows for future expansion, including space for athletics, the performing arts, special education, and vocational learning.
EAST 91ST STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH I N DIANAPOLIS, IN
Kevin Huse of RATIO has been consulting with the leadership of East 91st Street Christian Church for several years, providing professional guidance to the congregation as they identify the best approach to respond to their substantial growth in membership and program offerings. RATIO provided programming and master planning services for a significant growth of the facility. The first five phases of the master plan have been realized, and the sixth phase is currently under construction with an estimated completion of fall 2011. The expansion and renovation of the facility includes a new Worship Center, expanded children’s facilities, convention facilities, and education space.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
ADVENT EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Z I ONSV ILLE , IN
Advent Lutheran Church is a new church in an old skin. The congregation desired the appearance of white washed clapboard-sided country gothic revival for their new sanctuary, while the interiors are fresh and state of the art. The additions continued this contextual design adding a fellowship hall for community dinners, greatly expanded educational space, a new kitchen, and porte cochere. Future phases include additional education spaces and a gymnasium.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
SS. FRANCIS AND CLARE OF ASSISI G R E E NWOOD, IN
The design team was asked to develop a master plan and design a church for SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi, a new Catholic parish in northern Johnson County, Indiana. The first phase of the master plan included parish offices, a parish hall with banquet seating capacity of 350, classrooms and support space. The new worship space seats 600, although it is designed so that 900 can be accommodated with additional pews.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
CHRIST CHURCH, LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ZIONSVILLE Z I ONSV ILLE , IN
The master plan embraces both the serene neighboring landscape as well as the vision of the congregation to grow with the expanding community around them. The 32,000 SF master plan includes doubling the size of the sanctuary, adding a choir loft and organ, an education wing, and an atrium overlooking the adjoining neighborhood. Phase One of the master plan provides a new 200-seat sanctuary composed of steel arches and wood finishes. The worship space allows the church to use their existing auditorium as a fellowship hall, with an attached expanded kitchen. Also included in this renovation is a sacristy, a vestry, new offices, several new classrooms, an expanded nursery, a youth room, a centralized gathering space, and a new entry/drop-off, punctuated by a lighted spire—a beacon for the Fellowship to find their way home.
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO.
ETZ CHAIM SYNAGOGUE I N DIANAPOLIS, IN
Since 2003, RATIO has been assisting the Etz Chaim congregation with its identification of the current and future building needs of their community, and to begin giving form to these aspirations. Conceptual design alternatives have been created and depicted with architectural drawings and illustrations. These explorations study the organization of spaces and building forms that will provide a distinct Sephardic identity. Meeting an important religious requirement, the sanctuary is oriented eastward, facing Jerusalem. The seating and the bema are organized in the traditional Sephardic arrangement, with a central focus to the sanctuary. It became evident that due to the size limitations of the site a two-story structure that stacking the Sanctuary above the social hall would be required. A ramp would gracefully move large numbers of people up to the Sanctuary.
MINISTRY & RECREATION CENTER TA B E RNACLE PRE SBYT E RIAN CHU R CH / IN DIA N A PO LIS, IN
Tabernacle Presbyterian Church is an established church in an older neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana. RATIO was selected to expand the church’s existing recreational facilities and renovate the existing church. RATIO worked in collaboration with the YMCA, who will operate the recreation facilities. The Recreation Center / Fitness & Wellness Addition will include a large gymnasium with several basketball courts, a weight / cardiovascular activity area, as well as separate locker rooms and changing areas for men, women, and families. Also featured are a natatorium, offices, and an observation area above the gymnasium. The building’s design will be sympathetic to the 1920’s Gothic architecture of the existing church.
THE WAITING STATION C ROW N HILL CE M E T E RY / INDIANAPO LIS, IN
Completed in 1885 on the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery, the Waiting Station and the adjacent gate structure were designed in the Romanesque Revival style by local architect Adolph Scherrer. The building was originally a gathering point for funeral processions, gatekeeper residence, and later the state offices for Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. RATIO completed the comprehensive restoration for continued use by Crown Hill Cemetery staff as offices and as a visitors’ center. A portion of the cemetery, including these structures, have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
THE GOTHIC CHAPEL MASTER PRESERVATION PLAN C ROW N HILL CE M E T E RY / INDIANAPO LIS, IN
The Gothic Chapel, completed in 1875, was originally used as a temporary holding vault, and is currently used for committal services and social events. RATIO’s project included a master preservation plan, consisting of a conditions analysis of existing features, materials, systems, and building code and ADA compliance. The resulting projects included comprehensive interior and exterior restorations to address HVAC and acoustical upgrades, building stabilization, historic material restoration, and accessibility. The sympathetic addition of a stone porte–cochère at the entrance was also addressed.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER J E W ISH FE DE RAT ION OF G RE AT E R IN DIA N A PO LIS / IN DIA N A PO LIS, IN
In 1994, the Indianapolis Jewish community embarked on a capital campaign to raise $16 million for the development of a 40-acre cultural campus and Jewish Community Center (JCC). The renovation and expansion of the Jewish Community Center included five major building components: a fitness / wellness building, a cultural arts wing with full kitchen support, a multi-recreational building, an administrative office addition, and the expansion of the educational wing to provide child care. With the completion of the project, the JCC has become Indiana’s flagship for Jewish education, recreation, and community outreach. The JCC and its campus reflect the importance of community within the Jewish faith and is the location for the only Holocaust memorial in the State. In addition to the renovation and expansion of the Jewish Community Center, RATIO was responsible for designing and implementing the Jewish Federation’s campus comprehensive plan, and creating the landscape architecture for the Holocaust Memorial Garden.
URBAN MINISTRIES OF WAKE COUNTY R A LE IG H, NC
Urban Ministries of Wake County is a non-profit, interfaith organization that provide essential services to nearly 20,000 people and families each year including emergency housing, medical care, financial assistance, food assistance and support services with the goal of promoting self-sufficiency and a stable home environment. The RATIO team transformed the building into a modern facility that allowed Urban Ministries to streamline their services and improve the quality and scope of care. The new space also provides more opportunities for staff to collaborate on all aspects of client assistance. As a part of the project, an expanded food pantry with a commercial freezer, loading dock and separate entrance were added. The renovation created a strong identity and street presence that echoed Urban Ministries’ values of quality, accessibility and collaboration. The renovation also provided a welcoming approach from a busy traffic corridor for clients and the community.
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