ALT-CATHEDRAL The history of architecture and spirituality have always been linked. Göbekli Tepe is considered to be the impetus for settlement and the beginning of civilization. The temple structure, therefore, may be the first architectural form to take actual form within the community. Where in 2015 the Sanctuary asked the question “what does spirituality look like in an increasingly less religious world?” We say, the world hasn’t become less religious, we’ve just called it something else. By reintroducing traditional symbolism to practices that have never stopped, we call attention to the daily rituals in which we participate. Just as the gate of every Roman city was dedicated to Janus, ritual marks ones arrival. The act of gathering is a ritual. Building on the Sanctuary, we propose to create the Alt-Cathedral. A space that will represent ritual in the community. Within, there will be areas for “Alter,” a fire providing fellowship; an “Overview” deck; interstitial spaces allowing rest or selfreflection; and an area of “dedication” honoring those who came before.

Neal Hitch. Martin Hitch. Lucas Hitch

Project Narrative The Roman god Janus was depicted as a sculpture with two faces; one face young and the other face old. Therefore, both the Roman city gate and the god represented entry and exit; the past and the future; outside and inside. We often find this duality in the nature of spirituality and community as well. The duality is present in the concepts of gods and mortals, yin and yang, good and evil. Arriving at the city and crossing the threshold separated those who were outside from those who were inside. Arrival represents the concept to belong. There is celebration. There are our offerings. There is the act of greeting. Of meeting old friends. Of introduction to fellowship. In all communities these rituals of arrival take an architectural form. We propose to create the Alt-Cathedral, a form representing a type of “alter” for fellowship and belonging. The Alt-Cathedral will incorporate and surround the Sanctuary that was constructed in 2015. The Sanctuary claimed that “all people, regardless of faith, require an outlet for peace, reflection, thought, discussion, and prayer.” We embrace this idea. We build on the exploration of the physical nature of such a space. The Sanctuary will serve as the inward most space of the Alt-Cathedral. The angular planes will be transformed into frames where the names of Hellowood participants can be enshrined. This will be an area where we honor those who came before us. The cathedral structure built around the Sanctuary will be devoted to spaces for the daily rituals that most small communities practice. The focal area will be the “Alter.” This will serve as a firepit for fellowship. Focus is the Latin word for hearth or fireplace. Traditionally, the hearth is at the center of the community. It is the place of cooking and of sacrifice, or warmth and redemption. It is literally the focal point of the community. Additional spaces will include a small dias or stage area. Here, music can be played, or poetry read. Hammocks will be hung in interstitial spaces to create private areas for rest of self reflection. A small staircase running through the structure will lead to an observation deck where one can look over the community as it is being built, and where others can reflect on what was created.

Distillation

Exploration of a basic Architectural element: the Chapel

Transformation

The repeating chapel element rotates, representing change over time

Ritual

Functional spaces are carved away from the basic form to create spaces for ritual

Beginnings

The Sanctuary that was constructed in 2015 becomes the structal frame for the Cathedral.

Connections

Screens are erected, enclosing the Sanctuary, and creating a more intimate experience.

Belonging

The final form embodies the history of type and creates a space for the rituals of today.

Site plan The ALT-cathedral marks ones arrival. Entry to the city can also be seen as entry to the community. Like Janus and the Roman city gates in his honor the ALT-cathedral marks both entry and exit, the past and the future, the crossing of the threshold separating the outside from the inside of the city. To arrive at Hello Wood means to celebrate.

Elevations There is no innovation without appreciation (of tradition, religion, building methods etc). By reflecting on the history of various cultures we create a form that looks both backwards and forwards. A central aisle runs down the center of the cathedral, making reference to the nave of the ancient basilicas. Where the nave terminates into the transept, the programed space breaks outside of the Cathedral boundaries illustrating the relationship between the rituals that take place within of the Cathedral wall and those that exist just beyond them.

Feasibility concept The Alt-Cathedral will be built using 4 inch x 4 inch wood beams bolted into a 6 foot by 6 foot structural system erected as a series of bents. The method will be similar to erecting a timber-framed barn, where the structure will be built on the ground and lifted into place. Once set upright, lateral reinforcing will be used to connect each bent together creating a integrated structural system where lateral and vertical forces will be transferred through the entire grid. Spaces will be created within the structural system and the system will serve as circulation. If permanence is the goal, the system will be erected as a post-in-ground pole barn.

Materials 108 - 4”x4” x 12’ 72 2”x 6” x 12’ 200 - 1/2” x 4” bolt with nuts and washers 200 - 1/2” x 10” bolt with nuts and washers Assorted wood screws Chicken wire or similar

We are a father and sons team who, as a family, have been traveling the world developing museums in remote and unique locations. Our work has focused on creating community within indigenous populations and people living on the margins of society. We promote the creation of art as the core instinct which makes us human. And we believe that by cultivating the arts we can build better societies. Neal V Hitch, Ph.D. Is a professor and museum professional specializing in the connections between architecture and human evolution. He teaches cultural history and the development of early civilizations at San Diego State University and he is the director of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum. With a Masters in Architecture and a Ph.D. in History from The Ohio State University, his work explores the adaptation of humans to new environments and the symbolism of architecture in the context of new communities. Prior to entering the museum field, Dr. Hitch worked as an interior carpenter and a construction administrator. He has training as a cabinet maker and designs and builds both rustic and industrial furniture. He is currently exploring the concepts of myth and environment through the construction of habitable art forms in the desert. Martin Francis Hitch Is a design professional currently working for Kahn Desighn associates in Berkeley, California. With a diploma in music and a degree in architecture, his focus is on the cultural connection of the individual to the urban environment. In 2013 he was awarded a Stern Memorial Trust fellowship to study “desert-sized” art. In 2014 he was the winner of the SoADA European sketchbook competition and had a collection of watercolors exhibited at the Draewell Gallery of Art at Judson University in Chicago, Illinois.