Timothy Gaston
Frank Lloyd Wright
Nov 8, 2007
General Description:The Notre Dame Du Haute, or more correctly Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp in French, was designed by noted French/Swiss architect Le Corbusier and constructed from 1950-1954. The chapel was built for not just the local Catholic worshippers, but also as a pilgrimage location for worshippers (and artistic/architectural tourists as it turns out) from far away to travel to and worship. Since the space inside is small and will not accommodate many people-it was designed to accommodate upt to a parish of 200, Le Corbusier integrated into the chapel an outdoor pulpit/alter in order to accommodate the thousands of people who make the journey to this wonderfull place. The building in its beauty and sculptural aesthetics serves a a grand backdrop to these outdoor gatherings. The current building sits atop a high hilltop in Ronchamp, France. This very spot was where a long history of other chapels have stood in times past, the most recent destroyed during World War II.
Architecture:
While in some ways this building may appear plain, it is actually anything but. The church was designed to be inherently linked to the past in that the site chosen was where many previous chapels stood. In addition, some of the material left from the previous church was used in the construction of the current walls. The building is almost less architectural and more sculptural from an outward appearance. The roof takes on various symbolism depending on the viewer’s perspective. Some may see a “sail billowing in the windy currents on the hill top. The Christian Church sees itself as the ship of God, bringing safety and salvation to its followers.” (Wikipedia) The overall design is in many ways simple and yet also quite complex. The walls vary greatly in thickness from standard depths to depths of twelve feet. The widows are not like any you will see anywhere else. The are not just simple rectangular shapes, but rather geometrically complex . The feeling of simpleness comes primarily from the colors of the building. The walls are whitewashed concrete and the roof is a darker brown.
Harmony with Nature:
There are many ways in which the chapel stands in harmony in nature. The floor of the chapel was prepared so that it followed the line of the hilltop on which it rests downward to the altar. Integrated into the design is a rainwater collection system which provides for fresh water since water is in short supply on the hilltop. Inside the chapel, we see what I believe is the most profound example. The introduction of the irregular windows and the method of support for the roof provide the primary sources of lighting in the chapel. At the point which the roof is attached, there is an almost continuous opening where light can enter. This along with the irregular window shapes and clerestory windows not only provide for the functional lighting of the space, but also incorporate natural light into the architectural beauty of the chapel.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects:
One could likely find symbolism of one sort or another in many aspects of the chappel’s design. As mentioned before, the roof could be viewed as the sail of a ship. It could also be seen as simar to the shape of a Nuns head-dress. The curved shape of the “entrance elevation expresses the churche’s welcoming arms, embracing all that approach. It is also a maternal gesture, coming from the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the church.” (arch.mcgill) There are many more examples of the focus on the Virgin Mary. For example, there is a wooden statue placed in a niche which is prominently displayed and constantly showered in light which gives this figure "an otherworldly glow from the darkened interior.” (arch.mcgill)
How it is Used by Worshippers:
While the facility is very different from most catholic churches in it’s design, it is generally used in very much the same way. The main difference is that while most of the time it is intended simply as a place of worship for the small local parish, twice a year special services are held outside for thousands of pilgrims come from far away to worship at this great, historical site. In addition, the chapel is used by “architecture worshipers” or tourists in their quest for unique places such as this to visit.
Sources:
Notre Dame du Haut
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre_Dame_du_Haut
Notre-Dame –du-Haut
http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/mellin/arch71/winter2000/mchan/precedents/corbu.html
Great Modern Buildings; Notre Dame du Haut
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/greatbuildings/notredameduhaut/0,,2183714,00.html
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