Hidden in a forest among the Ozark mountains of Arkansas, Thorncrown Chapel was designed by E. Fay Jones in 1980 and built in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
At 40 years old, Thorncrown Chapel is on America’s historic preservation list, on the AIA‘s list of the 10 best buildings of the 20th century. It is also considered by certain authorities to be the best American building since 1980.
In the late 70s, Jim Reed, a retired schoolteacher, originally bought the land with the plan to build a retirement home. But over time, as he noticed the tourists passing by on the highway stopping to take in the view, he changed his mind and wanted to build a non-denominational church that would be meaningful to the soul.
This simple structure has ensured that Thorncrown Chapel receives 2000 visitors a day and that these visitors do not need architectural knowledge to make sense of the space.
14.5 meters tall and 7.3 meters wide, it stretches 18.3 meters into nature. The chapel is made of wood and glass, as Jonas imagined, and is like another forest within the forest, where the pillars are likened to trees and the people to the fruits of the trees that fall to the ground at the change of seasons. Its vertical length is designed to remind people of their original size in this universe and to ensure the harmony of human structure with nature.
It was described by its architect as “For thinking your best thoughts.”
Thorncrown Chapel, whose lighting is integrated with nature, is designed in a transparent way. For the evening hours, specially placed lanterns were used so that its appearance resembles a simple wood fire.
In addition to its design and planning, he paid as much attention to its construction and erection. He even planned the weight and installation of the support materials, wood and steel, and worked to prevent the steel supports from being visible in order not to disrupt the integrity of the space.
At the entrance of this building, which is one of the most important works of Jonas, it is written “Come and sit for a while, like the person you are.”
What do you think about Thorncrown Chapel, which should definitely be experienced? Do you think the Glacier Skywalk can provide a portrait view without leaving nature? Are there any shortcomings or faults? What are the differences with the revolutionary church of Notre Dame du Haut Ronchamp ?
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Architect: E. Fay Jones
Year: 1980
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
