Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va.
Posted
12/7/2011
The seminary's buildings attest to the facility's longstanding
history. From the outside, the red brick Tudor Revival buildings
reflect their historical surroundings while the interiors reflect
growth and change. Originally h
ousing eight levels of library tacks, the seminary
tasked Glavé & Holmes Architecture to transform Spence Library
into a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and worship.
To renovate the library, the architects removed the
self-supporting stacks to create a 40- by 40- by 40-foot worship
room, meeting location and teaching space. Using contemporary
styling, overlaying materials and moveable walls for maximum
flexibility, the library now stands as a modern testament to design
without having sacrificed any of the building's original
integrity.
Glave & Holmes used GKD-USA Inc.'s Omega 1520 woven metal
mesh finished in bronze and stainless as the overlays-creating the
illusion of walls without compromising the filtered daylight,
infusing the space with light to help to create the welcoming
feeling of openness.
The chapel, now sitting in the place once occupied by the eight
levels of library stacks, is nestled within the other spaces,
separated by huge mesh screens woven of bronze. The metal mesh
provides a warm and dramatic backdrop for the chapel, and works as
a balustrade for the balconies. Huge bronze mesh screens placed
over the many windows provide sun shading by day, and add
shimmering metallic detail to the chapel at night when illuminated
by carefully placed lighting.
Architect: Glavé & Holmes Architecture,
Richmond
Metal mesh: GKD-USA Inc., Cambridge, Md., www.gkdmetalfabrics.com