This is one of many post-conciliar modernist Churches that have approached our office seeking to add a greater sense of Catholic identity and Beauty in its interior. These projects are opportunities for a classical architect to show how sacred forms can work effectively and properly in a contemporary setting. First generation Modernist architects knew ancient forms to be timeless but this was lost over several generations of academic training.
We designed a new marble altar and a new marble tabernacle pedestal to speak of Christ as a solid foundation and harken to forms found in classic Catholic sanctuaries. The octagonal oculus opening is a new shape for the existing roof recess and was inspired by the Athenian Temple of the Winds with Christianized ranks of angels now surrounding the heavenly light descending from above. Symbols in the painted wood canopy above the tabernacle are those of St Charles Borromeo, patron of the Parish. Two new side shrines dedicated to the Virgin and St Charles Borromeo were designed and executed by St Louis artist Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs who also executed the ranks of angels in the cupola. The cross and sanctuary seating were built by local craftsmen and the corpus was designed and carved by Albl Studios of Oberammergau.
New terrazzo flooring throughout the Church further shows the importance of natural materials for the worship of God and sanctification of His people. The waters of Baptism have been depicted in the flooring below the font in white and blue terrazzo chevrons. Lighting was completely updated as was the sound system. We take pride in introducing the smallest architectural details in these places where the Rites of the Church are celebrated.
