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Joni and Friends
International Disability Center Chapel
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Bar Joni and Friends International Disability Center Chapel
Faith and accessibility are essential in the design of this chapel.
The quaint chapel within the 35,000-square-foot Joni and Friends International Disability Center is a quiet refuge at the heart of the building. Designed to honor the vision of Joni Eareckson Tada and her nonprofit organization, the new building honors accessibility and her Christian faith.
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An artist and activist, Joni was paralyzed in a 1967 diving accident, leaving her in a wheelchair without the use of her hands. Today Joni hosts a weekly radio program, advocating for accessibility and encouraging those of her faith.
Gensler wanted to give permanence to the mission of Joni’s organization. To capture the essence of the outreach movement of Joni and Friends, the architects created a space that is not only inspirational and functional, but one that also supports the organization’s collaborative work style as well as their Christian faith.
The chapel appears to float above a reflecting pool in the core of the building and is surrounded by an unfolding sculptural ramp. Clear glass guardrails reflect natural light that permeates the space through a cross-shaped skylight. The ramp itself was conceived both as an accessibility solution, and as a symbol of life’s journey.
The intimate devotional space is spare and elegant. Interior walnut floors and white, plaster walls are adorned by the shifting light that suffuses the space through an inlaid glass cross within the front wall.
Formal name of building:
Joni and Friends International Disability Center
Location:
30009 Ladyface Court
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Completion Date: April 2007
Gross square footage: 35,000 square feet
Owner:
Joni and Friends IDC
Architect
Gensler
2500 Broadway
Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone 310-449-5600
Fax 310-449-5850
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