Architects unveil plan for Haitian cathedral

The new Episcopal Church cathedral in Port-au-Prince, Haiti would make a strong statement of hope on a busy corner in the countrys capital, which is still recovering from the 2010 earthquake. Artist rendering: Kerns Group Architects

[Episcopal News Service Chicago, Illinois] The architects of a dramatic new cathedral for Haiti unveiled their design Oct. 15 for the Episcopal Churchs Executive Council.

The new Port-au-Prince cathedral is to be built on the same site as the previous Holy Trinity Cathedral that was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. It would seat more than 1,200 people, which is more than double its previous size, and include an entry/narthex with a bell tower incorporating the bells that survived the quake; a round, flexible worship space; and a hospitality and administration area. Worshippers would sit in a circular fashion around and above a central altar platform, with the new altar positioned in the exact location of the altar of the previous cathedral.

One of three proposed chapels would house the three surviving cathedral murals from among the 14 world-famous ones that adorned the walls of the previous cathedral depicting biblical stories and religious scenes in Haitian motifs. The ground-breaking paintings, completed in 1950-51, were crafted by some of the best-known Haitian painters of the 20th century.

More than 1,200 worshipers would sit in a circular fashion around and above a central altar platform, with the new altar positioned in the exact location of the previous altar of the previous cathedral. Artist rendering: Kerns Group Architects

The new cathedral is designed to U.S. earthquake- and hurricane-resistance standards, and will be capable of generating its own electricity, providing its own purified water and supplying its own telecommunications. The intent is for it to be self-sufficient in the event of a future emergency and to serve as a safe haven to those in need of help.

Episcopal Diocese of Haiti Bishop Jean Zach Duracin told the council that all during the planning process there have been trade-offs between cost, time and scope.

The bishop said that, once completed, Holy Trinity Cathedral will be the iconic symbol of the Episcopal Church in Haiti.

The first phase of this project is mental, he said. The last phase will be physical. We have various skilled people involved in this mental process. We have consulted widely, especially in Haiti and elsewhere for this creative vision. The key to creativity in this project has been to begin with the end in mind, with a vision and a blueprint of the desired result. Today we are presenting that blueprint setting that vision.

Duracin asked for councils continued support of the dioceses efforts to rebuild.

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Architects unveil plan for Haitian cathedral