Video: Amazing non-denominational "organic" chapel in the American city of Eureka Springs
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
The Crown of Thorns Chapel, located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a unique piece of architecture. Built back in 1980 by the American architect E. Fay Jones, the chapel still looks unusual and modern today.
Surprisingly, the chapel is almost entirely built from natural materials. For construction, trees that grow in the northwest of Arkansas were used.
The chapel is a vivid example of the so-called "organic architecture", and thanks to the design features, it harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape. Numerous windows (425 in total) let in so much light on sunny days that no additional lighting is required (although lamps are certainly provided).
Another feature of the chapel is its non-confessional nature. Anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, can be married here with their soul mate.
In 2006, the American Institute of Architecture honored the creation of Fay Jones with the famous "The Twenty-five Year Award". This award is awarded annually to those architectural objects that have stood the test of time (over 25 years) without losing their functionality.
In addition, in 2000, the chapel was included in the US National Register of Historic Places, which has been maintained since 1966. It is worth mentioning that not all historical buildings are included in the list. Inclusion in the National Register underlines the uniqueness of this architectural monument.
Fay Jones Chapel is not the only attempt to "modernize" a religious building. For example, American graffiti artist Hense made a graffiti-painting of a Baptist church.
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