shirish beri

St. Xavier’s church, Kolhapur

1975
besides providing shelter, can architecture embody society’s cultural and philosophical values?
The design of the church is simple, evoking an organic and morphogenic quality evoking the symbolism of man’s ascending journey toward a higher level of existence. The plan incorporates open arms, which suggest a gesture of welcome. Large doors connect a large verandah with the main hall, creating a large space for special functions, extending to a capacity of about 450 parishioners. The open arms or the sidewalls converge behind the sanctuary into a pergola, which reflects the priest’s voice towards the laity.
From the entrance, the lighted cross made of glass bricks, is visible against the parabolic walls behind the sanctuary. A translucent fiberglass roof over the sanctuary further emphasizes it.