Two clients had already asked me to include a prayer room in the architectural design of their new houses. Far from being surprised, their request is but expected. More and more clients are becoming perceptive to allot a particular space where meditation and reflection are facilitated. This is a deviation from the add-on and make-shift altars we Filipinos traditionally have. We are now gearing towards having artistically designed prayer rooms. With the whirlwind of daily activities that we engage in, one gasps for a moment of silence. We need to capture these precious pauses by making room to pray and literally speaking, making a room for prayer.
Prayer rooms vary in personal taste and style. But most of the prayer rooms possess the following characteristics:
Privacy. Most of the successful prayer rooms first and foremost foster privacy. This is achieved by allotting a space defined for personal meditation. It can range from a small space of 4 sq.m. which is enough to contain cushions, book racks and an artistic reredo. Or to an ample space for collective meditation which allow niches to create a sense of individuality and isolation. Privacy can come in an enclosed space that is properly ventilated or artificially cooled. Rooms opening to outdoor spaces can equally imbue a meditative setting. Outdoor spaces offer an equal opportunity for reflection. A blend of softscape and hardscape design can define a haven for those who want to transcend space and time. Locating the prayer room in a private zone of the house, considering activities of adjacent areas within and outside the property, will ensure that noise, smoke and visual distractions will be eliminated.
Ambiance. While silence is the most basic and remains to be the best mode for prayer, incorporating sensible features for ambiance also contribute to the mood. Indoor or outdoor features of gushing water, ruffling of leaves and tinkling of chimes are some of the possible features where one can find a solace at any time of the day or during those particular periods of prayer. Aside from these auditory elements, lighting design has a great role to play in visual mood setting. For prayer rooms, lighting is ambiance rather than utilitarian. It is meant to sculpt spaces and create a palette of moods. It illuminates the designer’s intended artistry. The design renders its success when illumination is achieved while the source of light remains unperceived. This is done by incorporating the lighting fixtures in the very blueprint of the architectural design with the use of cove lightings or customized diffuser and lighting housing design.
Artistry. There is no limit to man’s attempt to behold his Creator’s splendor. That is why every sculpture, painting, carving, or any artwork for that matter aims to capture the intangible divinity and translate it to a tangible beauty. A simple cross can be sculpted in an array of materials of wood, distorted metal, glass, natural stone, clay or mixed media. Artistry is rendered in color, texture and form of materials. Earth colors are more widely used while a good choice of texture in finishes or on surfaces determines its depth and character.
Man’s greatest aspirations come alive when one is able to discover his capacity to transcend himself. This renewal experience in prayer does not happen by chance. We realize that we need to set a time for this and thus requires from us our decision more than a mere desire. Our role as architects is to provide the setting for this experience to take place so that man can hear the gentle voice of God’s calling. In the end, our client is not only the man but moreover the Divine Master of the house who is the Ultimate Architect himself.
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