Coventry, United Kingdom
Designed by Sebastian Hicks as a space of non-denominative gathering, the Chapel is conceived as a traveling, symbolic space of reconciliation.
The Chapel is a transversal production project, facilitating intergenerational and research-based learning, using both automated and traditional, craft-based, building.
All mechanical fixings were developed and produced in conjunction with the engineering department of the university, whilst the joinery for the 90-bespoke oak and marine ply chairs, was developed with local carpenter Tony McCourt.
The walls of the Chapel are created of bespoke folding chairs.
In its complete form, space is a monolith, without entry or exit.
An individual wishing to enter the space will have to remove a chair.
As they do so, so a window is formed, a view is framed. In this closed-form, space is one of contemplation and protection.
Take a chair and a window is formed, two chairs form a door.
As more people arrive to occupy the space, so the walls come down. The gathering of people brings light and transparency. In this form, space is one of exchange.
As people gather in the space so the walls come down, the gathering of people brings light and transparency.
The transformative power of physical gathering leads to openness and transparency; the basis of a simple concept, borne of a secular, humanist core.
As more chairs are removed, so space dissolves vertically and becomes a surface organized by the dynamics of the group or groups.
As a symbolic, interactive object of reconciliation, the pavilion is a research tool, but is also the platform for collaborative practices, community engagements, performance, and artful inquiry.
The structure builds on Coventry’s international reputation as a center for reconciliation.
Part funded by the European Union, sponsored Migrant Friendly Cities initiative, the building of the structure was a collaborative process integrating migrants, students and retired experts (facilitating intergenerational learning).
The structure began its journey as part of National Refugee Week, in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral in June 2019.
Sebastian Hicks “Chapel of Many”
Architects: Sebastian Hicks
Design Team: Sebastian Hicks, Tony McCourt, Luke Trodden, Geoff Booth
Consultants: Dave Green, Sitting Firm
Collaborators: Heidi Saarinen, Pete Berry, Iain Hamilton, Tony McCourt, Kevin Taylor, MiFriendly Cities, Coventry University, Coventry City of Culture, Synthcurious, Anton Mirto, Hari Marini, Spencer Graham, Coventry Cathedral, Coventry Welcomes Festival, Master of Architecture Students at Coventry University
Client: Coventry University
Photographers: Niall O’Connor, Ona Ciuescu, Sebastian Hicks
