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D. Conceptual Site Options

Four possible options were created by the I&S planning team that were then presented to and reviewed by the HTLC planning committee. The combined teams then “tested” the validity of each option relative to the goals and objectives spelled out at the onset of the planning process.

It is important to note that the four options do not reflect a sequential process; rather they were intended as four separate ideas. As is explained in the next section of this report, however, Concepts C and D were developed further, resulting in “hybrid” concept E.1.

Option A arranges the proposed facilities off of a straight, formal tree-lined boulevard and pushes them toward the east end of the site, away from Alton Avenue. This concept positions the Permanent Church as the focal point of the east-west axis created by the boulevard, giving it prominence in the hierarchy of proposed buildings. It is placed at the highest point of land, further emphasizing its primary importance.

Option B takes a more organic approach to the site design, with the primary access road closely following the contours of the site. Such an approach allows visitors entering by vehicles to experience more of the site before arriving at the cluster of buildings at the north side of the site. In this option, I&S recognized the existing cross and landscaped area along the east property line and asked if this should be regarded as “sacred space”. The initial response from the committee was that it should not be a dictating factor in the design, but they later felt that it might have symbolic importance and should be regarded.

Option C makes a strong symbolic reference as is apparent in the graphic below. The Sanctinasium, Sanctuary (Permanent Church), and Classroom/Administration are oriented off of a northeast-southwest axis which is intended as the vertical—or primary-- member of the cross. The core element of these three is the Sanctuary, which is deliberately placed as the focal point at the end of the axis, a symbolic culmination (salvation) of the journey from birth (campus entrance) and along the path of life (road, bridge, and pond). The Sanctinasium and Classroom/Administration, while integral elements of the whole, are subordinate to the Sanctuary and are therefore oriented on the northwest/southeast “arms” of the cross. The physical connecting element of the three facilities is an outdoor plaza or courtyard. Facing south/southwest, it would receive generous amounts of sunlight and connect the buildings in the manner of a quad on a college campus. A formal circular drive allows for convenient and ample vehicular drop-off to each of the buildings, with parking areas “spinning” off of it in a radial form.

This concept is perhaps the strongest in terms of its physical orientation to the town, an important point in planning committee discussions.

Option D is similar to C in its arrangement of the buildings, but deliberately connects each with an interior space or connecting link. This provides protection from the elements year-round, but can be designed in such a way as to open in nice weather. The major axis in this option is exactly north-south, which could allow for maximum exposure to the sun in the Sanctuary. In response to the existing housing zone to the west, suggestion of a residential “village” is made along Alton Avenue. In addition to forming a logical transition from the off-site residential zone to the more institutional uses of the three-building cluster, the housing units can provide permanent housing for clergy or staff, or temporary housing to new HTLC members moving into the area. Parking for all facilities is arranged in a radial fashion off of the circular drive/drop-off area.

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