LOCATION

Madison, Mississippi

CLIENT

Saint Francis of Assisi

COMPLETION DATE

October 2007

PROJECT DATA

Size: 15,000 SF
Cost: $2.8 M

JH&H RESPONSIBILITIES

Master Planning
Architect
Interior Design
Programming

CONSTRUCTION

Harrell Contracting Group

The design concept for Saint Francis of Assisi is based on traditional elements expressed in a contemporary manner. The church campus is a series of four buildings designed around a central courtyard with an amphitheater that is used for small gatherings, receptions, and outdoor activities.

The Site Design and Building Architecture reflect the style and elements from the Village of Assisi in Italy. Traditional architectural elements have been simultaneously used in a bold contemporary manner to combine the traditional worth and inviting feeling of the church with the plan.

The Plan takes Vatican II Reforms one step further by placing the altar in the center of the church and surrounding it with the 700 seats which can be expanded to 900 for special services. This allows the entire church community to gather around a central focal point.

The exterior is a cruciform shape superimposed over the octagon seating. Both shapes recall early Christian symbols: the Cross and the eight days of Easter. Site meditation chapels provide areas for individual prayer and meditation, a flowing baptistery front is located at the entrance to the sanctuary, the flowing water reminds all who enter to renew their baptismal pledge.

Adjacent to the new Sanctuary at Saint Francis Catholic Church, is the 200,000 square foot Multi-purpose Building. The Multi-purpose Building's exterior elements blend with other buildings on the church campus.

The facility will serve the church as their Activities Center, Family Life and Educational Center. With seven divisible classrooms, the Multi-purpose building provides for Daycare and Sunday School space. The Gymnasium was designed to accommodate the food service capabilities equipped with special flooring.

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