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A transformative spiritual centre for the Sisters of Mercy, blending traditional sacred space with bi-cultural teachings, featuring a Sanctuary Garden and a design inspired by the Ichthys symbol, located in Christchurch.
The new spiritual centrepiece for Christchurch Sisters of Mercy presents a rethinking of traditional sacred space. Located between Villa Maria College and Mercy House, the Centre is as much a space of retreat and learning as it is a chapel.
The project imbues a sense of memory of their arrival from Ireland to the rain forests of Hokitika, New Zealand in 1878. It links the Mercy story with Maori spirituality and the ancient lore of the land, and their bi-cultural teachings.
The design illuminates these relationships with three key ideas; a building shaped by the ancient Ichthys symbol and its arc, a Sanctuary Garden at its core, enveloped with pleated cladding evoking the ‘shawl of tender mercy’.
The project has been shortlisted for a 2018 NZIA Regional Award.
Type: Community / Spiritual
Client: Sisters of Mercy
Team: Hamish Shaw, Javier Cuello Castro, Aggy Jeon, Brian Lopesi, Lucia de Zavala
Size: 450sqm
Location: 31 Peer Street, Christchurch
Status: Completed
Photography: Sam Hartnett
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