Holy Family Shrine by BCDM Architects
BCDM Architects designed the Holy Family Shrine in Gretna, Nebraska.
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Description from the architects:
Through a unique and divine series of events, a group of people with diverse backgrounds discovered each other and found that they had the same idea: to build a place off Interstate 80 for travelers to pray and discover the Catholic faith. After two years of searching for the perfect site, one was secured overlooking the Platte River Valley near Gretna.
The purpose of the shrine is to provide an opportunity for people to develop and discover the Catholic faith. Often, the faith is seen with the convoluted influences that distort its origin and intents; this secluded place allows for the discovery of Catholicism without such outside distractions.
Upon entry to the site, visitors experience a natural prairie setting. Once inside the entry portal, the visitor is drawn to a central, tomb-like room naturally lit by a large light opening in the roof. In the center of the room is a pool of water, the source of which is dripping from a metal sculpture symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Also in this space is a conference and gathering room and an information area.
The chapel structure itself is 45 feet at its highest point, made of arching members of wood and steel. As visitors enter the chapel, the water from the entry portal does as well, further symbolizing the presence of the shroud of Christ. Etched in a prominent piece of glass at the front of the chapel is an image of the Holy Family. With an open view of the prairie and river valley beyond, this image appears like spirits in heaven.
Visit the BCDM Architects website – here.
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Dan on 01 Sep 2011 at 12:42 pm #
Wow. That is really stunningly beautiful. It’s both subtle and strikingly dramatic at the same time.
I especially love the pathway with the water running down the center. Very clever to continue the flagstone and the water feature with its pebble bed into the interior of the chapel itself.
Jat on 01 Sep 2011 at 1:19 pm #
You might actually get me into a church like that.
Jesus on 01 Sep 2011 at 1:45 pm #
Divine.
Kevin on 01 Sep 2011 at 1:47 pm #
They cut down the forest around Thorncrown? oh, wait… Imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery – hope Fay Jones is flattered.
Barker on 01 Sep 2011 at 4:21 pm #
It’s not a secret that it is similar to a Fay Jones style chapel. They fully acknowledge that they were inspired by Fay Jones. Apparently, there is even a reference to Fay Jones on the story boards in the visitor center.
bigb on 01 Sep 2011 at 9:32 pm #
Thorncrown much?! At least change something other than the location
Architectoid on 01 Sep 2011 at 9:37 pm #
Its Fay Jones inspired sure, but its still nice and its pointing up to the man upstairs.
Dennis Moss Jnr on 01 Sep 2011 at 11:45 pm #
very beautiful. don’t you think the aisle is a bit too wide though?
Rambler on 02 Sep 2011 at 1:09 am #
No, I don’t think the aisle is a bit too wide.
Ray on 02 Sep 2011 at 3:25 pm #
The chapel is nice… but its like the movie sequel that didn’t need to be made.
John D. Cox on 02 Sep 2011 at 8:16 pm #
One comment says that the structure is “subtle.” Maybe I just didn’t know the definition of the word has so drastically changed. By the way, there’s no “man upstairs.” She’s let me know that she’s a woman! That cork-screw-looking-metal-thingy is supposed to be “symbolic of the Holy Spirit?” Really?
ModernMan on 03 Sep 2011 at 7:20 am #
Fay Jones inspired yes, but how many houses have we seen on contemporist that either have similar details, influences etc.
I love the entry sequence, the water rill and its symbolism, slowing the vistor and offering a chance for discovery and reawakening of one’s faith. Most of all i fully appreciate its purpose.
Congratulations to all involved…