First Presbyterian Church

Plainview, Texas

Religious

On this project, the architects were charged with creating new sanctuary, classroom, and fellowship hall on a very restricted budget. This was achieved through a design which utilized simple, elegant forms and stressed the restrained use of quality building materials. The circular sanctuary clearly defines the area of worship by its contrast with the flat site and rectilinear education wing.

A semicircular seating arrangement directs attention to the pulpit, communion table, and front, and also symbolizes the gather of the congregational family for worship. A descending shaft from a circular skylight focuses natural light on the communion table and symbolized God's presence in the sacrament. Acoustical issues inherent in a circular room are alleviated by convex vertical shafts along the exterior wall.