Sacred Places Summer 2025 | Page 20

AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE: NEW FACILITIES
Mountain Church of Julong INUCE • Dirk U. Moench / Dr.-Ing. Dirk U. Moench Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
The Mountain Church is the first Christian sanctuary in the new town of Julong, near the city of Quanzhou. The young congregation, from diverse denominational backgrounds and regions across China, hopes the building can serve as a bridge across liturgical and symbolic traditions, fostering a sense of shared identity. Drawing inspiration from biblical archetypes like Peter the Rock and Noah’ s Ark, the design features two elements: a lower portion resembling a terraced rock and the nave above evoking the image of an abstracted ark. These elements allow for flexible subdivision for secular needs.
The design transcends mere symbolism, inviting both physical and spiritual engagement. Believers, as on a pilgrimage, ascend the terraces for worship. At the top, they are embraced by Paradise— an element denoting a church’ s asylum. This place of concentration prepares the worshipper for entry into the“ belly” of the ark. On entering the sanctuary, one experiences complete exposure to the mountain and creation becomes part of liturgy.
JURY COMMENTS: This project utilizes the principles of modern building in the most dramatic and site-appropriate way. The plan is inventive, and it will be significant for a long time.
Shikai / INUCE
AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE: NEW FACILITIES
Telyas Chabad Jewish Center Landau | Zinder Architecture Clinton, NJ
Chabad of Hunterdon County built a permanent home after years of renting, creating a 23,000-square-foot community center on a 7.2-acre site with
wetlands and bounded by two roads. The building nestles into the landscape, offering a solid, discrete home for the growing congregation.
The design features a“ town square” concept with three zones: worship, education, and administration. At the heart of the building, an open lobby
and multipurpose“ jewel box” serve as a dynamic social hub for all ages. The design for the entry canopy inverts a contextual gabled roof line to liken it to the iconic Chabad menorah. It is held up by a steel frame in the shape of the Hebrew letter Shin( symbolizing a name for God), which is found on mezuzahs hung in doorways of Jewish homes. This inverted gabled roof and menorah motif is duplicated over the sanctuary and social hall, allowing the building to maintain a low profile from the street.
The light-filled lobby uses wood, stone, and other natural materials to connect the building to the surrounding environment and honor the local historic district. An amphitheater extends from the lobby, offering an outdoor space for prayer, teaching, and community events.
JURY COMMENTS: This building is filled with surprises and spiritual spaces. It makes the faith community welcoming and understanding.
Juan Vidal Photography
20 SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2025