Solomon Centre

Client: Light of Life Developments
Status: Direct Commission
Type: religious, mixed use, commercial and institutional
Size: 25,000 sm
Location: Markham, Canada
Materials: metal panel, glass, concrete

The Solomon Centre attempts to rethink traditional notions of a place of worship and re-invents the typology for contemporary needs and uses

Typically a church is used only on Sundays for worship services with sporadic uses at night for fellowship gatherings. A majority of the church's spaces are unused during the week. Various charitable organizations in the community require meeting rooms and gathering spaces that are also used infrequently. Thus, common spaces can be shared to create an efficient use of space as well as provide additional conveniences such as professional offices, restaurants and retail. The intermixing of programs and people will facilitate the "Church" community and their service the public. Operating costs for the church and charitable organizations can be lowered by the sharing of resources.

The Solomon Centre's form is designed with three sides referencing the traditional Christian notion of the Trinity. The building's design lifts upwards reminding people of their vertical relationship to God. A central courtyard which is a place of gathering, reminds us of the relationships we have with each other.