19/11/2018
We are looking back at a past project for IPHC.
This building was published in Architect & Builder (Sept/Oct 2013), and Leading Architecture (July/Aug 2013)
INTERNATIONAL PENTECOST HOLINESS CHURCH - YOUTH CENTRE, ZUURBEKOM
Architects Comments:
Brief History
The International Pentecost Holiness Church is an organisation established in 1962 by the late Honourable Reverend F.S. Modise. Begun as a prayer group in a humble home in Meadowlands, Soweto, No. 1 Vincent Road, now Reverend F. S. Modise Drive, the congregation grew into a formal organisation which moved to a newly built Church in Zone 10 Meadowlands.
To accommodate his fast growing congregation, the present site was purchased and developed against many obstacles presented during the dark apartheid years.
In 1998 Comforter M. G. Modise, son and successor of the late Reverend F. S. Modise, took over as leader of the 3,5 million strong organisation with over 300 branches scattered around Southern Africa.
Site
The International Pentecost Holiness Church complex is situated 2,1km north of the Moroka Bypass in Zuurbekom. Nestled and surrounded by various Agricultural Holdings, the complex is inconspicuous amongst its neighbours and becomes noticeable only when approaching the grand Gatehouse structure.
Sited at 45 degrees to the existing Church, the Youth Centre defines the geometry for a piazza space and becomes the catalyst for future surrounding buildings. The piazza with its three symbolic fountains becomes the focal point of the complex and is the gathering space for various events with the buildings creating a backdrop for large external congregations.
Clients Brief
Understanding the need and aspirations of the vibrant congregation, the “Comforter” decided to take the organisation to a new level where comfort and beauty became a priority to inspire his followers. Designed as a structure to house and entertain the dynamic youth of the large congregation, the Youth Centre was conceived as a building to inspire the congregation to improve the Church compound and develop it into a magnificent Headquarters and Pilgrimage site.
Like many of the Medieval and Renaissance Churches, the building not only glorifies the Divine, but is a comfortable haven from the harsh climate and surrounding living conditions, allowing the congregation to escape from their daily environment and transport them to a wondrous place. The building accommodates the auditorium on two levels, a double storey Learning Centre for the youth and an Administration Centre for the various Branches.
Design Concept and Building
Based on the use of perfect geometries, i.e. the circle and square, the building is clearly read externally and internally, as a cylinder within a cube with the 60m clear span dome as the central space.
The grand staircase raises the building on a plinth and allows the Main Hall to slope towards the stage. The grand triple volume Entrance portico, with its imposing flag towers, doubles up as a stage for the Church Elders and a pulpit for the Chief Reverend to address the masses on large events.
On entering the building the triple volume Entrance Hall, with a large barrel vaulted ceiling decorated with a sky motif, tries to blur the distinction between the inside and outside spaces. The grandness and attention to detail immediately transports one to another “world” and sets the stage for things to come.
The transition space under the Mezzanine area, between the Entrance and the Main Hall, which also becomes the main circulation route, was deliberately lowered so as to restrict the view of the main space and create a sense of surprise.
The impressive central circular Hall with its symbolic fourteen sets of columns (14 stops of the Cross) and thirteen cantilevered balconies (Christ and 12 Apostles) arranged as “welcoming arms”, which together seat 16,000 people, is capped by a heavily ribbed dome structure with sky motif infill panels giving the illusion that one is sitting under a massive perforated domed gazebo with the sky as the ultimate roof.
The desire to capture the congregations symbolic beliefs is clearly evident in the repeated use of the grouping of various elements in threes (”G” the Father, Son and Holy Ghost) as well as the continuous reference to their main symbol (the Star of David). To emphasise the star symbol, the dome has been capped with a three dimensional star, designed to “float” in the sky with its angular shapes helping deflect sound and resolving the otherwise acoustic problem usually associated with the domed structures.
The stage, the focal point of the Main Hall, has been designed as a space within a space each defining a special area for the various ranking Elders. Ceilings shaped as flowing drapes with hidden lighting give the impression of tented structures flowing in the wind, while the all-important central alter, which is flanked by two ornate gold leaf pulpits has been detailed as a half dome so that its artwork may be enjoyed by the entire congregation.
Art, Décor and Interiors
Although the Church does not believe in depicting religious figures or icons, the building has been decorated with magnificent representations of nature.
Various teams of Local Artists were employed to embellish the structure and created claddings and artwork of an incredible standard. The main symbol of the Church, the Star of David, has been captured in various forms and is represented on ceilings and columns as relief, on carpets as repetitive patterns and in the artwork as focal points.
In keeping with the rich decorative theme, the furniture has been chosen to enhance this style.
Involvement of the Congregation
With such a dynamic and diverse congregation that were willing to help in some way with the Development, the building of the centre was not carried out in the conventional manner. Church Members continuously offered their services as contributions towards the costs. Our patient Main Contractor became more of a Co-ordinator and Quality Controller as opposed to carrying out his traditional role. Week-ends became a hive of activities, especially when it came to the er****on of the superstructure.
Various skills were taught to the Church Members not only by the Main Contractor but also by the many Subcontractors.
In Conclusion
The success of the Development is partly due to the construction and professional teams but mainly to the dedication and enthusiasm of the Church Members.
The building has elevated the community and has become a physical representation of their dreams and aspirations.
To quote from the Ministers opening speech, “This Youth Centre is the South African equivalent to Rome’s Vatican City, a symbol of a community’s vision and passion.”
