Ukrainian Church
location
Bensenville, Illinois
Design
Paul N. Poloz
About the project
Poloz Architects was commissioned by the Ukrainian Church committee to design a church in Bensenville, Illinois, a residential district, near O’Hare Airport.
In designing the church structure, three basic elements were taken into consideration. Namely, a rectangular shape which dominates the central part of the building, functions as the seating area for the congregation. The exposed facades of this rectangular shape are punctured with tall vertical, arched openings, allowing sufficient light to penetrate through the building. In terms of design, these Classical arches as well as the circular window containing the cross, reminds one of the aesthetic looks and art of the past. On one end of the rectangular shape, two high towers mark the main entrance of the church, while on the other end, a cylindrical shape houses the stage of the sanctuary. Although simple geometric forms were used in the church design, they were carefully sized and brought together to form a logical design, with delicate transaction of heights both on the exterior and interior.
ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
The rectangular shape of the church rises to a height of 35 feet, with the exterior walls of the towers and the cylinder extending above the roof line. This extension of the walls on either ends of the church not only conceal the rectangular building, but also give a monumental look to both ends. In addition, the rectangular building being both in the center and lowest in height, creates a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding low-rise structures.
The result of the design shows a skillful combination of geometric forms, thus creating dramatic spaces and a clear understanding of the representative nature of the building, all of which exemplify the successful design solution of the architect.
