Initial Campus Renovations and Upgrades Garner a Prestigious AIA Award; Future Concept Presented in Virtual Reality
Garden grove, calif., (Sept. 7, 2016) – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which acquired the former Crystal Cathedral and campus in 2012, will host a media event to review what has already been achieved and to disclose the important work ahead: the refurbishing and interior redesign of Christ Cathedral.
Media Event Details
- What: A review of renovation progress, an AIA award presentation, and the unveiling of future design concepts for Christ Cathedral.
- When: Wednesday, September 14, at 3:00 p.m.
“To date our focus has been largely restorative and in keeping with requisite engineering and other pragmatic construction demands. Much has been accomplished and we are now ready to disclose the future design concepts for Christ Cathedral itself,” said Christ Cathedral Rector and Episcopal Vicar, Rev. Christopher Smith.
Event Agenda and Presentations
AIA Award for Design and Restoration
In recognition of the ongoing design process and completed restoration work, the American Institute for Architects’ Orange County President, Mark Paone, AIA, will present the Diocese with a prestigious award at the event.
“AIA’s mission is to encourage advancements in design and construction applications while addressing the cultural, social and community needs of any building. The Diocese of Orange has fulfilled these criteria and more. We are eager to see the next phase completed,” said Paone.
Construction Progress and Future Design
Richard Heim, special construction advisor to the Diocese, will present a review of the construction timeline and progress details. Following this, lead architect Scott Johnson, FAIA, of Johnson Fain will review the design approach for the cathedral’s interior.
“Johnson Fain have managed to listen and to hear and understand the many contributory voices… Scott Johnson has masterfully crafted an architectural approach that meets practical demands and more importantly – fits with emotional precision the Diocesan vision for Christ Cathedral,” Rev. Smith added.
Virtual Reality Unveiling
The visualization of the new interior design will be presented in VIRTUAL REALITY. Members of the media and other attendees will be able to experience the architectural renderings ‘come to life’ using VR viewers.
Fiscal Plan and Fundraising
Mark Dubeau, CAO/CFO of the Diocese of Orange, will present the Diocese’s plan for fiscal discipline, review the budget, and discuss fundraising efforts to bring Christ Cathedral forward and ready for use by 2019.
“It is appropriate that we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Orange by announcing these significant achievements and sharing what comes next,” Rev. Smith concluded.
Virtual Reality Experience for the Public
A simpler VIRTUAL REALITY presentation will be available to those attending the diocesan anniversary celebration on September 18.
“We want as many people to see and experience what the future holds – and VR enables us to do this. Anyone with a smart phone will be able to download the VR program, slip their phone into a cardboard viewing device and get a sense of Christ Cathedral’s future,” added Diocese of Orange Communications Director, Ryan Lilyengren.
Pastoral Center: Communications Department
13280 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove, CA 92840
Office: 714-282-3075
Fax: 714-282-3029