Japanese American United Church
New York, New York

This project involced the major renovation of a former printing shop, which became a church facility in the early seventies, but never changed the structure to reflect its present mission. Kruhly Architects has transformed the facade to reflect the existence of a sanctuary and the Japanese character of the congregation. The new large window on the street level adds natural light into the sanctuary. The wood lattice protecting the window lends a spirit of the Japanese love of screens and grids. The circular metal element in front of the wood lattice protects the window and is a metaphor for Calvary on which the cross sits. New metal panels are planned for the facade as well as windows, which will have wooden brise soleil elements that shield the afternoon sunlight.