Community Chapel of Light Part 1 Project 2004 Hei-wai Cheung Chinese University of Hong Kong | China The experience of oscillating between the tangible and intangible is transcendental. Inspired by the art works of Mark Rothko and James Turrell, the oscillation of perceiving light as between tangible substance and sensation experience becomes the basic concept of this community chapel.Situated in an urban setting, a trapezoidal terrace site enclosed by walls of 6 to 7 stories blocks sets a clear stage for a display of urban objects. Above the ground the community chapel appeals as three light emitting boxes in pure geometry which either floats above, sits on, or sinks in the stage; underneath the ground the three boxes are entangled and interconnected. The main entrance is a descending tunnel into the underground event hall which is only glown up by the reflectant of the spiral ramps and seats of the chapel above it. Ascending the spiral ramps, one comes into and baths in the light-filled chapel which is the inside of the floating light box and, thus, complete the transcendental experience. Hei Wai’s project is about a place of worship. Her design revolves around path and volume, light and shade, trying to integrate the potential ritual route with the congregational spaces. Despite the tight urban site, Hei Wai manages to insert three delightful pavilions in an undulating landscape. One of these prominent pavilions is the central focus of worship which is essentially a glass cube containing a continuous path that also serves as seating for the congregation. The altar is suspended in the middle of the volume. The successful features in this scheme are the simplicity of the form and the clever manipulation of light and shade. The sense of the sacred is neatly integrated with the spirit of the community of the worshippers resulting in a holistic structure that is functional and inspiring.