MFMC

Client: MFMC
Status: Direct Commission
Type: Religion
Size: 28800m2
Location: Markham, Toronto, Canada

The MFMC stands as more than a religious function within its district. At its core, it is a community centre that accommodates the public social amenities as much as it does those attending church on a regular basis.

While this dual intent serves both secular and non-secular needs, the inherent values are analogous: Building a stronger and more unified community through open space and open mindedness. With this as a guiding principle, the method in which this project is developed becomes an essential focus. Each development phase consists of design and program solutions for both worshipping functions as well as community facilities, maintaining and expressing the importance of this shared objective.

This religion and community complex is scheduled to expand in 3 different phases. The focus of the first phase is the construction of a new chapel and the renovation of the existing warehouse structure to be converted into a sports hall. The second phase uses the sports hall as the main worship space, in comporting with community functions such as daycare facilities and a public playground. The last phase will introduce conference rooms, hotel and a sanctuary hall that can accommodate more than 3000 people.

Common spaces, such as the courtyard accessible from the lobby, are designed to connect the hotel functions with the greater community. Light and openness are the essential elements driving the overall design. The atrium lobby colonnade and sanctuary hall have skylights and large window openings, allowing daylight to flood from various directions and breeze to flow freely through the spaces. The interiors transform throughout the day as it embraces this natural light from different angles. Daylight and wind are treated as signals to naturally guide people to gather in the courtyard or pass through the building whether they are attending a religious service or a community event.

The MFMC advocates their religion point of view by welcoming the public. This architecture is a church and community centre, and plays the important role of an open public place that brings together a community through shared values and space.