A Church in Franklin Park

• Location Franklin Park, Illinois
• Design 2001-02
• Construction Not built
• Client The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago

Small congregational church located on a corner of a residential neighborhood in Franklin Park. The program includes a narthex, sanctuary, sacristy, offices and diverse support spaces. The floor plan adjusts to the limited amount on area allowed per Code by using the sanctuary area as a multifunctional, flexible space.

The space is thus conceived as a large open volume articulated by light coming from carefully pierced openings in the south wall. To allow for flexibility pews are substituted by chairs which leave the trace of their location in the floor as small squares of white marble in the more textured concrete pavement. A set of large gold leaf panels and steel cross defines the altar area. The sanctuary opens to the outside courtyard allowing the space to flow outward and open for worship during the summer months. Stucco on the exterior walls, polished concrete and steel defines the key components of the material palette for this project.