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Christ Cathedral Phase-one Design Plan Revealed During 40th Anniversary Celebration

Diocese of Orange Unveils Christ Cathedral Design Plans at 40th Anniversary Celebration

Garden Grove, Calif., (Sep. 19, 2016) – The Catholic Diocese of Orange unveiled cathedral design plans during a day-long anniversary celebration marking 40 years of diocesan growth. An estimated 5,000 participated in a series of activities highlighted by an outdoor Mass.

The former Crystal Cathedral was acquired by the Diocese in 2011 and requires significant restoration and upgrades before public use can begin. The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, appointed Bishop of Orange shortly after the acquisition, has become the project’s driving force, shaping a new cathedral design with input from diocesan priests, laity, and a wide spectrum of experts.

“It is our intention to dedicate Christ Cathedral in 2019 and to have exhibited fiscal responsibility at every level when bringing this immense project forward. […] Now comes the exciting and engaging challenge of creating a beautiful and functional Catholic interior design. This process formally began with the sharing of our vision with those attending the 40th anniversary celebration,” said Bishop Vann.

An Architectural Vision of ‘Transcendent Beauty’

Principal architect Scott Johnson, FAIA, of Johnson/Fain Associates, has crafted an innovative interior layout that merges liturgical compliance with transcendent beauty. The iconic building’s exterior shell of more than twelve thousand panes of glass will remain but is currently undergoing significant repair and reconditioning.1

“It was unimaginable to consider any significant change to Philip Johnson’s exterior design. Our focus and challenge has been to respect the building’s design integrity and its spiritual legacy while re-interpreting and expanding the space for Catholic worship,” said Johnso2n.

Key Features of the Interior Design

  • Main Entrance: The Bishop’s Doors will be replaced with large bronze doors that swivel open on a large central axis.
  • Worship Space:
    • Altar: The Predella, with the altar at its center and a metallic Baldachin and Crucifix suspended above, is the centerpiece.
    • Seating: Pews will be arranged in a radial pattern to allow a line-of-sight view for every congregant.
    • Cathedra: The Bishop’s chair will be located directly behind the altar complex.
  • Mezzanine Level: This level will be re-configured to support both choral and instrumental music. The magnificent Hazel Wright organ, the fourth largest within a church in the world, has already been refurbished and is awaiting installation.
  • Cost Savings: The new seating arrangement and a different approach to constructing the predella have eliminated the need to demolish existing balconies and the building’s foundation, dramatically reducing forecasted construction costs and shortening development time.

Project Timeline and Phases

“The great cathedrals of Europe took generations to complete. […] We do not have the time-luxury of former cathedral builders; our goal is to dedicate Christ Cathedral by 2019. This means completing Phase One – those critical changes enabling the church to be used for all Catholic rites. Later development phases will address the Undercroft, St. Callistus Chapel, Bishop’s Crypt, Columbarium, much of the site work, and other spaces,” added Bishop Vann.

Virtual Reality Preview

To appreciate the Worship Space design, a VIRTUAL REALITY program has been created to allow viewers to dynamically ‘experience’ the design plan using high-tech VR goggles or a smartphone with a cardboard viewer.

Definitions

  • NARTHEX: An antechamber or porch-like space separated from the main interior.3
  • PREDELLA: A step or platform on which an altar is placed.4
  • BALDACHIN: An ornamental canopy placed over or near an altar.5
  • CATHEDRA: The chair of a bishop in his church.6
  • AMBO: An elevated pulpit from which readings are delivered.7
  • BAPTISTRY: A space or chape8l where the sacrament of baptism is administered.
  • UNDERCROFT: The crypt of a church.
  • COLUMBARIUM: A room or building with niches for funeral urns.

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