Profile of a Sacred Space: Courtney Gray

Notre Dame du Haut

General Description
The Notre Dame du Haut, a Catholic chapel located in Ronchamp, France deep within the Vosges Mountains is considered to many of the Catholic faith as a pilgrimage site. However, the Notre Dame du Haut is also known for its connection with nature, symbolism and unique architectural design. In fact it is often considered to be one of the greatest buildings of modern architecture of the 20th century. The chapel was constructed in somewhere between 1950 and 1955, by Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, after the former structure was destroyed in World War II. Today the structure is “an icon of religious architecture” attracting tourist from all over the world.
Architectural Design
Notre Dame du Haut’s unique architectural elements, causes this structure to immediately stand out from afar. The Notre Dame du Haut is fairly small in size. Inside there is a main alter, three side chapels, and an outdoor sanctuary. It is constructed asymmetrically, made primarily of concrete and contains thick curved walls, giving it a sculptural form. The building has two main walls that are connected by a third wall that rises as it reaches the corner. This gives the building its interesting shape and its sloping roof effect. Connecting to the wall are three towers, adding to the interesting shape of the building. The floor follows the natural slope of the hill, towards the altar. The Notre Dame du Haut’s interesting shape is not the only thing that causes this building to stand out architecturally. The clear small irregular windows within the thick walls, give a dim, but alluring light effect. Le Corbusier’s use of interesting shapes and angles are what identify this as one of the greatest buildings of modern architecture.
Harmony with Nature
Notre Dame du Haut’s location immediately harmonizes it with surrounding nature. The chapels isolated placement atop a hill surrounded by beautiful mountains, give it a spiritual and breathtaking view of nature, and of the town of Ronchamp below. The horizon is visible from all directions of the hill. The abundance of clear windows, also allow those inside to experience the beauty of nature surrounding the chapel, and the illuminating light from the sun. All of these elements of nature help create, a spiritual connection and place of worship.
Symbolism with Sacred Objects
The Notre Dame du Haut includes many religious symbols which make it even more of a unique sacred space. In regards to the structure, the design is said to resemble the wings of a dove, the shape of a boat, or praying hands, all sacred religious symbols. The interesting use of light throughout the chapel could also be used to symbolize the presence of a divine being. A wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary above the altar, symbolizes the Virgin Mary’s presence and protection over the chapel.
Use by Worshipers
Although the Notre Dame du Haut is considered a popular Catholic pilgrimage destination, today it is used more for a tourist attraction than it is for actual worship ceremonies. However, when worship ceremonies are held, because of the small capacity indoors, the outdoor altar and pulpit are often use, and can hold up to twelve thousand on the lawn, creating a beautiful spiritual background with the structure, and the beautiful landscape surrounding it.

Sources
1)Chan, Michelle M. "Notre-Dame-du-Haut - Le Corbusier." School of Architecture. McGill University, 14 Feb. 2000. Web. 08 Apr. 2010..
2)Demel, Scott. "Why Ronchamp?" www.demel.net. 2004. Web. 8 Apr. 2010.
3)Lazzari, Margaret R., and Dona Schlesier. Exploring Art: a Global, Thematic Approach. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005. Print.
4)Stathaki, Ellie, and Henrietta Green. "Great Modern Buildings: Notre Dame Du Haut | Art and Design | The Guardian." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited, 18 Oct. 2007. Web. 08 Apr. 2010. .