The Coptic Orthodox Church near New York
City, at first glance, appears to be a radical departure from Benninger's
earlier work. On closer analysis his honest expression of a stainless
steel structure enclosed under steel cladding and glass structural walls,
reflects his commitment to the honest expression of materials. The expansive
site plan continues the studies in campus planning initiated in earlier
projects. Here Benninger has separated sacred activities on the upper
level from community activities on the lower level. By expanding an
existing pond into a reflecting pool he ties the campus into the landscape,
while visually linking it to the entrance area. The complex which includes
a cathedral, large gym-cum-multi-purpose hall, a religious school, nursery,
and offices is tied together with a lineal "wing structure"
constructed from a mental lattice shell, which continues up over the
Nave and Multi-purpose Hall as an enclosing element supported on trusses
and braces. The theme of the technology is lightness. While the structure
must 'enclose' the congregation, it must also lift their spirits!
