Continuing our series on modern architecture in DC, we turn to another extremely controversial building- the Third Church of Christ, Scientist on 16th and I Streets NW. Designed by Araldo Cossutta, who worked with I.M. Pei's firm, the church is a stunning example of Brutalism in the heart of the city...
This building has never been a popular addition to the Washington landscape, and the congregation of the church has always been among its fiercest critics. Built in 1971, the church and adjacent reading room were supposed to provide the Christian Scientists with a distinctive presence in the nation’s capital, but the building’s unfortunate resemblance to a windowless concrete bunker has never really attracted passersby; we have to confess that in our 30+ years in the city, we never even realized it was a church!
Stuck with expensive maintenance fees for an overly large building, the congregation of 50 has long sought to tear down the existing church to build a structure that would better meet its current and future needs. In a controversial decision in December 2007, the Historic Preservation Review Board declared the complex an historic landmark, eliminating for now any prospect of demolition or even renovation. The church members may still appeal the decision, but for now it seems this Brutalist church just blocks from the White House is here to stay.
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I get that this is an important building within the realm of architectural history. But isn't one of the basic principles of Brutalism that the function of the building is evident in the design? That there's a transparency in the intent of the building? Does this building accomplish that? Based on what you wrote of your experience, it sounds like it didn't for you.
I have to agree Colleen- I walked by that building for years before ever realizing it was a church! I guess I understand why the Preservation Board voted to protect it, but I feel for the poor congregation stuck worshipping there.
This should keep Satan and his legions of demons at bay.
*snort*- fabulous, superflyguy!
Brutal is certainly an accurate description...
Christian Scientists aren't as worried about Satan as they are about germs, which don't stand a chance against those walls.
That worship space is awesome. I could totally see someone condemning some witches from there.
it's ironic that a place that is supposed to promote spirituality looks as if it wants to destroy it instead
Maybe they could sell it to the CIA...
It's beautiful, and should be preserved.
Kinda reminds me of the Transformers movie cube.
I walk by this all the time, and while in general it seems kind of awful (no windows?), the thingie sticking out the side with bells on it is really interesting and cool.
Speaking of Brutalist, has anyone seen the new US Mission to the United Nations (right across from the UN)? It's still under construction. For security the first 8 floors have no windows and the higher floors have little square windows, like prison cells. A friend of mine calls it the Ministry of Love.
I had the distinct pleasure of designing the interior of an historic F.C.C.S. Church here in Southampton Village. The congregation and trustees were some of the nicest and most design-savy I had had ever experienced.
The unusual (and quite difficult) thing about the design was that there are no "typical" religious icons or symbols used in the F.C.C.S. Church. No stained glass. No statues of saints. No Altar. No Crucifixes nor candles- None of the typical embellishments that you would normally use in a liturgical design. Apparently, this is how they do it.
Oddly enough, there is a great sense of spirituality within the congregation and I was most impressed by the genuine quality of their Faith.
Yeah, this is one of the ugliest and worst-designed buildings in D.C.. The FBI building is another. Any other nominees?
Yes the building is ugly but I always liked the bit of green and the fact that the building is not right next to the sidewalk. Sure there's lots of green at McPherson, Franklin and Lafayette Squares but this little bit is unexpected.
This is a historic landmark? It's hideous.
Somewhere lots of Italians are turning in their graves
I walk by this monster every day. The only nice thing about the building are the bells that chime on the hour. Other than that...hideous!
For something to be of historic quality, it doesn't have to be pretty or even functional... That said I agree with those that feel this building has no aesthetic appeal (or any kind of appeal for that matter). It looks like a candidate for adaptive reuse (I don't understand the worshipping in here either..), perhaps as "The Museum of Ugly" in an ugly building... how appropo!
It looks like the perfect candidate for adaptive reuse as the new "Museum of Ugly"
I'm actually surprised that more AT'ers don't like this building. As popular as stark, mordern interiors are here. I kinda dig the bell "arm" sticking out from the side.
oops---"modern" interiors.