Acton Ostry Architects

Christ Worship Centre is a regional-scale congregation planned to be constructed over three phases. The first phase houses fellowship activities that constitute the backbone of community life. In recognition that some time may pass between phases, the fellowship phase includes a focal space that reflects spirituality in the form of a soaring circulation crossroads and a lobby of light. The animated arrival features a series of striking glue-laminated frames wrapped with a stunning array of purple, amber and gold-coloured glass, imbuing the lobby with an ethereal glow that evokes the essence of ether, thought to be the fifth element of nature and the living garment of God.

project

Christ Worship Centre


location

Surrey, BC

client

Christ Worship Centre

completion

2012

size

3,350 m2

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worship entrance

sustainability

LEED Gold equivalent

awards & recognition

2014  
City of Surrey New City Design Award of Excellence

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fellowship entrance

Quiet in form and expression, rich in symbolism, and robed in the colours of gold, frankincense and myrrh, the new Christ Worship Centre houses the fellowship's functions that form the backbone of the congregation’s community life.

Canadian Architect

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lobby of light

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lobby of light crossroads

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skylit worship entrance

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worship entry and gallery

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fellowship hall and worship space

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lobby of light upper level

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lobby of light stairway

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purple, amber and gold-coloured glass

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lobby of light upper level

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glue-laminated frames and coloured glass

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dining

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child care

To express the spiritual aspirations of the congregation, the “Lobby of Light” was born. In this spirit, sheets of clear, purple, amber and golden glass vest a series of wood frames, creating an almost vaporous glow. The space is both a threshold and a soaring circulation crossroads.

Canadian Architect