Case Study #3 - FRANCISCAN FRIARS T.O.R.
- Stained Glass Window, Franciscan Friars
Project Name
Franciscan Friars T.O.R.
Project Location
Loretto, PA
Dates of Construction
NEED INFO
Summary Description of Project
The Franciscan Friars, on the grounds of St. Francis College in Loreto, Pennsylvania built an addition to their already existing residence. They wanted to increase the residence, as well as to build a chapel that would be worthy of the initial intent of the builders and architects of the building.
UNUSUAL FEATURES AND DESIGN CHALLENGES
- Photo A
- Photo B
- Photo C
- Photo D
- Photo E
The project involved using traditional materials, such as marble, mosaic and finely carved wood to mimic the new Gothic structure that was being built. The new chapel would have exposed arched carved beams and Gothic arches which would give the sense and feel of a liturgical environment worthy of prayer.
The focal point of the chapel would be the crucifix that would suspend and float in the center of the chapel (See Photo A). This crucifix needed to have a wall surface that would complement and at the same time, give color in the much needed sanctuary.
One day, a resident priest took a photograph of a sunset on the grounds and this sunset, which could also have been interpreted as a sunrise, would be the focal point of the backdrop to the crucifix (See Photo E). This particular photograph was then converted into a large 15' x 12' wide mosaic mural and it became the backdrop to the crucifix so that the crucifix would be seen as a piece that would be suspended in the air at the time of the Crucifixion. It has added meaning because the photograph of the sunrise was taken there on the grounds of St. Francis College.
