Abstract Symbolism

by Jonathan McGaha | 2 June 2013 12:00 am

A long vacant and neglected retail mall has been transformed by EOP Architects, Lexington, Ky., into an energized campus with a newfound purpose for Southland Christian Church in Lexington. The church requested a building with a contemporary, iconic design that would be welcoming, inspirational and transformational, but devoid of any traditional references to Christianity. Meaning, there are no conventional steeples, crosses or stained glass windows. However, the church’s design does include a number of abstract interpretations with references to these elements.

 

As a contemporary church, Southland wanted to appeal to both those with a committed belief in religion, plus those that may have an initial curiosity, explains Rick Ekhoff, AIA, LEED AP, design principal of EOP Architects. “[Southland] wanted to distinguish themselves from the more traditional environment that may have a tendency to intimidate with what could be considered the stereotypical images, culture and formalities.”

 

Draping the exterior of the educational center is a LED-lighted sunscreen that symbolizes a contemporary stained glass window. The screen wall with slotted openings is made up of 5,000 square feet of 0.125-thick Apex 03 750-40 expanded metal in a Telegrey powdercoat finish from Birmingham, Ala.-based Alabama Metal Industries Corp. (AMICO). AMICO also supplied the cooling tower screen wall on the roof.

 

The slanted colonnade composition that defines the worship center’s exterior is a modern interpretation of the crucifixion. The project features additional design metaphors, including references to the heavens through a pattern of recessed light niches and angular wall planes that represent mountains. “EOP’s approach was to utilize interpretations of heaven, the crucifixion, nature, etc., in more of an abstract form rather than a literal form,” Ekhoff says. “This allows each individual to view the imagery and have a sense of space based upon his or her perception, rather than one that has been rigidly predefined. One’s perception to an abstract form is also one that can change or evolve over time, which is similar to how one’s religious beliefs and convictions can evolve as well.”

 

Originally housing a large regional department store, a 140,000-square-foot space was renovated into educational spaces with several teaching and group gathering rooms, a nursery, separate learning spaces for pre-school, K-2, grades 3-5, and a large center for middle and high school student ministries. A 49,000-square-foot addition housing the 2,800-seat worship center with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology is located adjacent to the educational spaces. The building’s envelope is made up of 36,000 square feet of Anoka, Minn.-based Firestone Metal Products Inc.’s 22-gauge UNA-CLAD VR Classic Omega corrugated ribbed metal wall panels in a Charcoal Gray Kynar 500 finish, along with 11,000 square feet of its 26-gauge Una-Foam 2-inch insulated metal wall panels in a Silver Metallic Fluropon finish. Additionally, Kawneer Co. Inc., Norcross, Ga., supplied its 1600 Wall System for the project.

 

Three giant screens simulcast sermons from Southland’s main Harrodsburg Road campus, while a live band performs on the large stage. An asymmetrical baptistery with a dry area for family viewing mirrors asymmetrical exterior entrances. To enhance sound quality, the curved balcony is fronted by a concrete, cantered façade that helps collect low bass notes. As Ekhoff explains, the building features a number of asymmetrical forms throughout, and the intent was to introduce the importance of the abstract and how it can play a role in balancing and enriching one’s experience. “Something does not need to be symmetrical or literal in order to create harmony,” he notes.

 

The educational spaces and worship hall are joined by Connection Point, which is marked by a large, asymmetrical polygon with a nautical symbolism for easy wayfinding. Connection Point features a large café for pre- and post-functions, as well as an information desk where visitors’ questions are answered. The project also includes the redevelopment of the 30-acre campus, which includes a formal plaza and parking for 1,800 vehicles.

 

Southland Christian Church, Lexington, Ky.

Construction manager: Messer Construction[1], Lexington

Architect: EOP Architects[2], Lexington

Structural engineer: Brown + Kubican[3], Lexington

Civil engineer: Strand Associates[4], Lexington

Mechanical engineer: Davis & Plomin Inc.[5], Lexington

Electrical engineer: Amteck[6], Lexington

Metal wall panel fabricator: TNT Metal Products Inc.[7], Union, Ky.

Curtainwall: Kawneer Co. Inc., Norcross, Ga.,
www.kawneer.com[8]

Expanded metal screen: AMICO, Birmingham, Ala.,
www.amico-online.com[9]

Metal wall panels: Firestone Metal Products Inc., Anoka, Minn., www.firestonemetal.com[10]

Photos: phebus photography

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/abstract-symbolism/

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