St. Edwards Catholic Community
Spring, TX
The design of the master plan for St. Edward Catholic Community strengthens the identity of both church and school while preserving the feel of the campus as a “community in the woods”.
Spatial needs for the church were met by planning a new 1500 seat worship space with pastoral offices and converting the old church into a Family Life Center complete with adult meeting rooms and large multi-functional space. The church buildings are arranged around a “church courtyard” providing a gathering space and entrance to the church. A proposed new 2-story classroom building provides a clear, identifiable entry point for visitors and parents, and new classrooms for all grades.
Existing buildings would be converted into specialized classrooms and future growth. The school is also organized around a “school courtyard” with the focal point being the new library. The master plan also addresses the needs of the youth and young adults of the community by providing a new addition and renovated space connected to the Family Life Center and Gymnasium.
The school and church are connected by covered walkways that pass by school, library, meeting rooms and pastoral offices with Family Life Center as the heart of this network of walks. By using the large multi-functional space in the Family Life Center as fellowship hall, school cafeteria and school auditorium, the gymnasium, which currently holds all these functions, can be outfitted with lockers and bleachers to better serve the needs of the school athletics.
The concept for the design of the worship space is the “sacred heart” as the center of the altar and emanating from the heart are God’s “embracing arms” to hold the
congregation. The interior space builds in scale from the narthex, through the threshold, into the nave and rises above the sanctuary floor where the altar is located. High white, natural light is brought in over the sanctuary and behind the proscenium arch at the apse wall. A deep red wall behind the altar, the reredos, signifies the sacred heart and beyond that is the rough textured apse wall which symbolizes the tomb. This wall also holds the image of the crucified Christ.
The embracing arms are thick walls emphasizing strength, nobility and security with a chapel, rose windows and deep niches carved into them. Separated by clearstory windows, these textured walls stand alone and provide a sense of welcoming as well as protection. With hand made characteristics that express a “built with love” quality, they will provide a sculptural presence.
Light is a theme throughout the space characterized as: a halo of light at the apse, rays of light from above at the proscenium arch over the altar, colored ecclesiastical light through rose windows, and filtered light at prayer chapels, shrines and niches. Finally, artificial lighting will be used to accentuate all religious icons and ceremonies.
The church courtyard will be an important gathering space. It reunites friends and prepares them for the celebration of Mass, and as they turn to enter the church they leave behind everyday life. This scene indicates an Easter Vigil gathering and lighting of the Paschal Candle.
Overall space requirements indicate the need for: a new 27,000 s.f. church building, new 6,600 s.f. pastoral offices, a 3,500 s.f. new addition to an existing 3,500 s.f. Youth building, and a new 23,000 s.f., 2-story classroom building. Additionally, a total of 55,000 s.f. of existing space will be renovated. Parking will be increased to 7,000 cars and playfields will be made more flexible and secure.
