2009 Design Award Winner

Holy Family Ministries
Holy Family Ministries Center was designed to support the surrounding community’s varied needs through serving dually as a school and community facility. The exterior expresses the Center’s vibrant character with red, charcoal and cream colored block layers, inspired by African textiles and neighboring buildings in the Homan Square Complex. These African tapestry influences on exterior and interior finishes support the program’s focus on community pride and heritage. Designers wrapped the colorful exterior inside through the lobby, hallways and into the K-8 grade-level classrooms with colorful floor tiles. These not only create an aesthetically pleasing environment for students, but also direct their attention to the teacher and teaching wall in front of the class.

The heart of the curriculum is a weekly school-wide chapel meeting, necessitating a large gathering space. This Multi-Purpose Room is designed as a cafeteria, gym and chapel space with moveable furniture and fold-up bleachers, where students for years to come will celebrate graduations, assemblies and chapel gatherings, as well as before- and after-school programs.

Part of the Homan Square Master Plan, Holy Family Ministries Center was designed on the human scale in partnership with the neighboring YMCA and Homan Square Community Center to create a cohesive neighborhood identity. Architects led the Holy Family community through a comprehensive design process which began with three Community Forums to construct a multi-purpose facility to meet the diverse needs of Homan Square while preserving the urban environment.

 

 

 

 


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