Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2013 | Page 46

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

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

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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.

IPHC