Space Criteria: A Guide to the Guides
(3) Chancel
a. The Chapel
(a) Description. The chancel area is a place for cere-
(1) Narthex
mony from which the Priest, Minister, or Rabbi leads the
(a) Description. The narthex is the major entry point
congregation in worship. A minimum chancel of 20' x 20'
and should maximize the opportunity for meeting and
is acceptable for all chapel size variations. However this
informal conversation. The narthex is a key interior
dimension may be increased when the choir is on the
space for circulation, fellowship, and information.
same raised platform with the chancel, thus becoming an
intergral part of the chancel area.
(b) Space Allocation. See Table 7 - 23.
(b) Space Allocation. See Table 7 - 23.
(c) Relationships. The narthex forms a transition
between the exterior plaza and the chapel nave. Ideally,
(c) Relationships. The chancel must be an integral part
all major entrances into the nave, the administrative
of the nave with only a small change in level as a sepa-
areas and REF, should occur through the narthex. Coat
ration. The choir must be immediately adjacent as well.
closets, public rest rooms and the bride's room should be
The activity room may open directly into the chancel or
adjacent to this area. The sacristy, if possible, should
into the nave. Storage must be provided within 50 feet
also be adjacent so that the minister can readily change
from the chancel.
his vestments and great worshippers.
(4) Activity Room
(2) Nave
(a) Description. The activity room provides space for
(a) Description. The nave is the central worship area in
Sunday School classrooms (open for large classes or
the chapel. Seating in the nave must be positioned to
subdivided for smaller class instruction), family dinners,
allow access from aisles and sight lines to the chancel
receptions, group parties and occasionally for baptismal
and pulpit areas. The community of worshippers should
services. With a moveable partition, the activity room
seem as continuous as possible, without end panel
can provide additional seating for services.
divisions.
(b) Space Allocation. See Table 7 - 23.
(b) Space Allocation. See Table 7 - 23.
(c) Relationships. The activity room is immediately
(c) Relationships. The nave must be immediately adja-
adjacent to the Nave/Chancel area in order to provide
cent to the narthex and adjacent to the chancel (the
center of worship). The chancel in all cases is part of
the same volume as the nave.
Table 7 - 23 Recommended Space Allocation for Chapels
Size (Gross SF) based on Installation Population
Sub-Space
501-1,000
1,001-1,500
1,501-2,000
2,001-3,000
The Chapel
4,625
6,750
8,250
9,765
Nave
1,735
2,600
3,345
4,210
Narthex
920
1,210
1,445
1,630
Activity Room
765
765
885
945
Chancel
865
1,365
1,735
2,105
Baptistry
-
410
410
415
Blessed Sacrament Room
175
235
265
295
Reconciliation Room
165
165
165
165
Support Areas
2,330
3,005
3,680
3,845
Worship Support Areas
695
725
825
855
Counseling and Administrative Areas
1,135
1,655
2,045
2,090
General Support Areas
160
175
230
240
Restrooms
265
330
425
470
Kitchen
75
120
155
190
Total Chapel Center
6,955
9,755
11,930
13,610
DG 1110-3-142 Page 7- 17
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