February 27, 2010

1000xARCHITECTURE OF THE AMERICAS

PARAVANT ARCHITEKTUR has been published in the new “1000xARCHITECTURE OF THE AMERICAS” book. The project featured is the Center for Communities of Faith (CCFaith) - A new Interfaith-Center for the greater Los Angeles area:

The design of The Center for Communities of Faith is based on a vacant property located in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, California. This 15.5 acre parcel sits high upon the hill and affords panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley. The Center is designed in such a fashion as to allow most every faith tradition to comfortably use the facilities and the visitors of every faith to feel welcome. The chapel, amphitheater, conference center and surrounding gardens were designed by incorporating the most advanced active and passive technologies of sustainable design available:


  • Photovoltaic panel stretching over the amphitheater roof area and are shading at the same time the plaza 
  • The chapel roof with the sky-eye-light is assembled consisting of multiple glazing layers with laminated glass photovoltaic panel; Photovoltaic panel cover the roof of the conference center;
  • Vertical Louver protecting the exterior layer of the chapel
  • Thermal buffer spaces around chapel and conference center to reduce temperature swing
  • Deep roof overhangs are shading the  conference center facade
  • Cross ventilation is provided in all building portions of the complex
  • Natural day lighting for all offices and assembly rooms, exterior adjustable shades
  • Vacuum glazing systems for increase insulation value
  • Increase roof insulation and cool roof finishes
  • Green roof at some portions of buildings
  • Geothermal Heat exchanger to reduce cooling loads
  • Cooling walls and ceiling cooling panel in conference center
  • Grey water collection for irrigation & restrooms
  • High efficient water use fixtures
  • LED illumination
The layout of the chapel, with its attached amphitheater, is based on the vesica piscis, which commonly symbolizes a sense of unity or common ground. Not only religious unity shall be achieved with this new center but also harmony between man and nature.