MAR APHREM
2019
The Mar Aphrem Jacobite Church is located at 229 Queen St East in downtown Toronto and inhabits the former Kormann House Hotel. The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church (also known as the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orhodox Church) is an autonomous oriental orthodox church that is based in the South Indian state of Kerala. Mar Aphrem aims to create a space for worship and community for the Torontonian diaspora within the heart of downtown Toronto.
Using the traditional Jacobite church as a model, Mar Aphrem implements specific motifs that are commonly found within a Jacobite church in Kerala and reshapes it to adapt it to its Torontonian context. To do so, the space requires programming that involves the traditional processional journey of a worship-goer: the narthex, nave, altar and high altar; as well as additional spaces that can accommodate for both their practical needs (a community kitchen to serve the disadvantaged) and their spiritual needs (a meditation space where they can personally meet with God). These programming needs were implemented within the boundaries set by motifs found in a traditional church.
Programs Used: Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, V-Ray for Rhino and Adobe Photoshop.
Site Plan
The Six Motifs
In incorporating these motifs and implementing the programming that was laid out, Mar Aphrem aims to create a space of worship and reverence within the depths of Toronto's downtown core.
One of the ways in which the motifs are incorporated is through the arched structures. The use of these arched forms begin from the exterior windows and takes shape inwards as door openings, voids to walk through, decorative structures and furniture. It is the most prominent form from the long arched colonnade to the shape of a lamp. Similarly, since traditionally the narthex is the middle ground between the profaneness of the world and the holiness of the sanctuary wherein the church-goer cleanses themselves of the world before entering the church, Mar Aphrem dedicates the entire ground floor for this purpose as it allows for the congregation to cleanse themselves through fellowship with their Church family and friends. In these ways, Mar Aphrem honours the traditions of a Jacobite church within a newer Torontonian context.
Basement Level Floor Plan
Ground Level Floor Plan
Second Level Floor Plan
