 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |
The New Church of Amherst
Advisor: Madis Philak
Fall 2015 - Spring 2016
30 Weeks
Church Architecture for Holistic Health
A study of how new hybrid church-community centers can improve holistic health in New England.
The New Church of Amherst is a new building typology located in Amherst, Massachusetts. This thesis is the cumulation of multiple studies, including research on the state of holistic health in America, existing programmatic breakdowns of churches, community centers, and holistic health centers, and the historic local context.
Holistic health is a problem, especially in New England, as New England is the least spiritual region of the country. The goal of introducing the New Church of Amherst is to provide a neutral location for the student and local population of Amherst to nurture mental, physical, and spiritual growth.
This new building typology will improve holistic health in New England, and act as an example for the rest of the country. Reintroducing the church as a place of growth and healing reinforces the Biblical roots of the church, and will change church perception in New England.