kwas: new cross tower

top of new cross tower
all images courtesy of kwas

kwas architecture has added a cross tower to an existing church to aid in its recognition
as a religious structure in tokorozawa, japan. its previous gymnasium like appearance
created a poor reflection of its christian community and religious activities.

new cross tower is designed as a 7.8m height arch with a cross on top. it is made of steel
plate 500mm wide and 28mm thick. the use of a single material from the ground to top
represents the connection between heaven and earth.

in terms of its production, it uses a technique called plate forming, a production method
used in shipbuilding. the steel plate is gradually twisted toward the bottom facing outside,
strengthening the structural stability. this outward shape is meant to create a welcoming
gesture which enables the tower to serve as a gate for people to walk through daily or
during ceremonial occasions.