Preliminary Project:

prayer Garden / biblical garden, Jerusalem

Client:

International Prayer Center Jerusalem (IPCJ)

Prepared by:

Riedwyl Architects, Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the 28^th Dec. 2004
Prayer Garden / Biblical Garden, Jerusalem

Concept:
Place where people can pray in groups or alone in different location / spaces

Layout:

The Garden is accessible through two entrances. So as to raise the expectations, there are sights hindering obstacles, to prevent the guest to see the garden as a whole.
A semi high wall, on which a pergola is resting, blocks the view by the west gate. A curved path around the second pergola and biblical trees that act as a kind of wall and horizon prevent the view on the complete garden.

Jerusalem, located in the centre of the garden is accessible from the west on a straight pathway (Equator). As to stress on the fact that Jerusalem is situated on the seven hills, the guest first has to descend a few steps, cross an open area and then go up over seven steps to Jerusalem. The steps and the open area act in the same time as simple amphitheatre.

From the east, Jerusalem is reached over a curved pathway, which leads around the pergola and the biblical trees. In this way, the garden and the space will open in front of the guest with each step forward.

Jerusalem

A simple stone built platform stands for Jerusalem. The top of the platform is laid out with irregular stones with joints wide enough, that low growing herbs (e.g., thyme) can grow in them.

Jerusalem, with the amphitheatre is the place where the guide can explain the intention of the place and for common prayers.

Continents (Prayer Spaces)

A map of the relevant continent on ceramic tiles is the centrepiece. The area is marked by a flat stone paved floor with low built stonewalls, on which the people can sit and in the same time act as enclosure of the space.

Oceans (Open Spaces)

The area between the prayer spaces, in real world oceans will be planted individually (see planting scheme).

Resting areas

Two main areas are situated close to the entrances. Each area has a pergola, which provides for shade and fresh water fountains. Ample benches in different shapes and forms will allow the guest to sit and contemplate. There are drinking water fountains for each area.

Walls

The walls will be covered with a local stone (only where needed). A frame will help to make the transition between the fragile ceramic tiles and the quite broad wall stones.

Accessibility

The eastern part is completely accessible. For the western part, the pathway leading via South America / Africa to Jerusalem can be done with a wheelchair.

The middle path (Equator), due to the intention that people have to ascend to Jerusalem, is not really for disabled.
The space of Europe is lowered and only via few steps accessible, due to the height of the existing wall. But the location is not far off the pathway. North America can be reached easily via the path from Jerusalem. Steps lead to the western exit.

Toilets

A new facility should be built on the same location as the existing one.

The men’s restroom should have at least 2 toilets and urinals, and a spacious area around the sinks. The ladies room will have 2 toilets and a well-spaced area for sinks. Adjoining a toilet for disabled, which normally will be used by the ladies.

Partitions should be built so as to separate the existing building from the toilet area. A light structure, possible from wood (lattice/maschrabhie) would serve best.

Lighting

As to underline the experience of space, the lighting shall be mainly indirect by means of different light fixtures.

Plants:

All the vegetation grows locally; respectively all are biblical trees and plants. So will each plant or tree have a name sign, on which the Latin and English name will be mentioned. In the same time, there will be a reference, to where the certain plant is mentioned in the bible.