基地位於台南市,周圍建築多為三至六層連棟透天住宅,為環境紋理緊湊的樸實社區。運用「虛實概念」模糊室內外的空間邊界,並讓教會成為社區或城市的中心。從《聖經》記載,「所羅門王在建造第一聖殿之前,信徒們於『會幕』聚會」得到靈感,將具象的會幕(帳篷)概念轉換為簡潔建築意象,以低調樸實的姿態回應基地環境,與週邊鄰里達到和諧與平衡之感。
清水混凝土的建築主體外牆上,使用台灣易取得也易維護的烤漆鋼板做出格柵設計,讓建築宛如穿上一層衣物,有效達到遮陽、濾光效果。雙皮層設計也有助建築內外的空氣流通。
空間設計以「一阻二引三通」為原則。進入教會前,在半戶外空間種植一棵從教會舊址移植的老樹,連結、延續教友對舊有教堂的記憶。半戶外空間引入社區交誼活動,常民與宗教得以在此產生連結。室內創造許多猶如「涵管」的通道,相互穿透和連結,就像一座微型城市或聚落的巷弄,也似人體的血脈氣場,加上挑高中庭,風能自由流動,讓房子變得舒適。
中介空間、半戶外空間、半公共空間滲透到每一層內部空間,企圖讓人產生「進到裡面又似進到外面,進到外面又像進到裡面」這般虛實交錯、內外界線模糊的感受。對內、對外的景致也能夠相互交融。移動腳步穿越如巷弄般的通道、迴廊和階梯,這些中介空間拉長了身體感知經驗,延緩了時間感,企圖讓人心神沉澱下來,準備進入最高處的聖殿主堂。主堂構造採用V型柱撐起結構。夜裡,由室內透出溫暖的錯落光線,教會如一盞燈籠照映著社區鄰里。
Inspired from the documentation of the Bible that “before King Solomon built the first temple (Beit HaMikdash), the disciples gathered at the tabernacle”, Wei-Li Liao converts the tabernacle (tent) into a concise architectural image as the major design concept for De-Guang Presbyterian Church. The building balances its impact with the site and integrates into its surroundings harmoniously with a simple and humble attitude.
Steel plate grilles, a material that is common in Taiwan and is very easy to maintain, are hanged on the faced concrete exterior wall of the main building. It functions as a layer of clothing for the church, filters direct strong sunshine and provides efficient shading for the building. The double-layered facade design also improves ventilation and circulates airflow inside and outside the building.