Lithophane for the Luce Chapel

myminifactory

This is the #Cura lithophane for the Luce Memorial Chapel, a stunning Christian chapel situated on the campus of Tunghai University in Xitun District, Taichung, Taiwan. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and likely assisted by architects Chi-kuan Chen and Chao-kang Chang, the project was initially planned in April 1954 but faced delays until July 1960. The chapel was built from September 1962 to November 1963 at a cost of $125,000 USD. Located on a 3-acre zone in the heart of campus, the Luce Memorial Chapel is situated on an irregular hexagonal base, providing 477 square meters of gross floor area, including a spacious nave with 500 seats, a chancel, and robing rooms. The chapel's unique design features four curved surfaces rising to a height of 19.2 meters, making it a striking landmark on campus. Initially conceived as a wooden structure, the architects eventually decided against using wood due to concerns about humidity and seismic activity. Instead, they opted for a form made from reinforced concrete, likely inspired by the Philips Pavilion designed by Le Corbusier for the Brussels World's Fair in 1958. However, unlike other buildings of its time, Luce Chapel is not a thin-shell structure, with lattice beams that gradually thicken as they descend. The exterior of the chapel is adorned with yellow, glazed diamond-shaped tiles that echo the coffer beams on the interior. The elaborate reinforced concrete formwork was crafted by local artisans, showcasing their exceptional skill and craftsmanship.