[ THE CHALLENGE ]  Transform a typical urban retail space into a spiritual center with a sanctuary, bookstore, offices and classrooms – on a very limited budget.

[ THE RESPONSE ]  Douglas fir paneled walls and canopies define a series of carefully articulated spaces that lead from the street into the sanctuary. Translucent screens allow light to enter but filter out the urban distractions all around. The floating ceiling is pulled away from the walls to reveal the building structure and bring in light from above. A stairwell drops down to lower level classrooms, and then rises up to engage the sky.