"Thorncrown Chapel was designed by world renowned architect E. Fay
Jones. Fay was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1921. He studied at the
University of Arkansas, Rice University, the University of Oklahoma, and
finally under his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright at the Taliesin Fellowship.
Jones’ awards include the 1981 American Institute of Architects
National Honor Award for Thorncrown Chapel and the AIA Gold Medal
(1990). Thorncrown was listed fourth on the AIA’s top ten buildings of
the 20th century. When alive, Mr. Jones was recognized as one of the top
ten living architects of the 20th century.
The inspiration for Thorncrown Chapel was Sainte Chappelle,
Paris’ light filled gothic chapel. Fay affectionately labeled
Thorncrown’s style as “Ozark Gothic.” The chapel rises 48 feet into the
sky with over 6,000 square feet of glass and 425 windows. Its dimensions
are 24 feet by 60 feet. The chapel is made with all organic materials
to fit its natural setting. The only steel in the structure forms a
diamond shaped pattern in its wooden trusses. The building has a native
flagstone floor surrounded with a rock wall which gives the feeling that
the chapel is part of its Ozark hillside.
In order to preserve Thorncrown’s natural setting, Fay decided
that no structural element could be larger than what two men could carry
through the woods. The building materials are primarily pressure
treated pine 2x4s, 2x6s, and 2x12s. The larger elements of the building
such as the trusses were assembled on the floor and raised into place.
Light, shadows, and reflections play a major role in
Thorncrown’s ambience. Because of the chapel’s elaborate trusses and the
surrounding trees, constantly changing patterns of light and shadows
appear during the day. At night reflections of the crosses in the lights
appear to surround the entire building. Consequently, Thorncrown never
looks quite the same. Its appearance changes during each hour of the day
and during the different seasons of the year."
E. Fay Jones also designed the
Pinecote Pavilion, we are thinking of taking a day trip there. Pictured below.
You can also check out the beautiful
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. Pictured below.
