aclaworks-caribbean-architecture-institutional-university-spirituality-design-004

The centre was designed to provide a common space where people of different spiritual, religious and cultural orientations may come together under one roof for prayer, reflection or constructive dialogue. Faith neutral spaces were achieved by using a minimalist design language and avoiding any use of iconography or messages. The passage through the building is analogous to one’s path towards spirituality where one travels from the earthly materiality of the mundane world (represented by the square geometry) to celestial and enlightened sanctuary of and spiritual world (represented by the circular geometry). While the path lead to a common space of refuge, the Hall of Silence it exits at multiple points back to nature, to a Garden of Peace.

Client
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

Architect
acla:works in collaboration with Architect Paul Moses

civil+structural engineers
BBF Limited

Interiors
acla:works

Area
1400SM

Function
Interfaith centre

Location
UWI St. Augustine Campus