Architecture Field Trip - Northridge
When you happen to be in the Valley for an appointment, why return straight home afterwards when you can fit in a mini spiritual space tour?
Below 3 churches in Northridge, CA.
Vida Church (formerly Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society) 9550 Haskell Avenue, North Hills Architect: Frank Ethrenthal Year: 1964
My first tour stop was “The Onion” as some call it.
I’m glad I got to tour the interior. One of the kind folks at the church opened it for me.
I noticed that the acoustics was interesting as I stood in the center and conversed with my host.
According to my trusty guidebook by Sam Lubbell:
The architect, Frank Ehrenthal, a Universalist himself and a student of Richard Neutra, designed the church in the round so every congregant could face each other, with no hierarchy. One of the church's fundamental principles is inclusiveness.) Inside, the building is lined with a beautiful array of slatted wood, blond laminated beams and copper ros, each still in exquisite condition after all these years.
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 9501 Balboa Blvd, Northridge Architect: Harry Harrison Year: 1966
I only had time to stop and take a quick photo as I headed to the last church in this post. Still, this Mid-Century Modern church that has served as a religious and cultural center for the Valley’s Greek population caught my eye.
Not shown from this elevation is the dome. A search online shows a beautifully lit interior.
Congregational Church of Northridge 9658 Balboa Blvd, Northridge Architect: Jones and Emmons Year: 1962
The pyramidal roof is pretty much all that is visible from the street.
There was a service of some sort going on when I stopped by; a view of the interior will have to wait for another time.
According to my trusty guidebook by Sam Lubbell:
That pyramid is supported by gridded timber rafters and a frame of large laminated timber columns, which meet near the top in a crucifix formation. Above this, light flows in through a pyramidal skylight, which mimics the sun and via hanging lights that recall the stars. The laminated beams extend down beyond the roof's eaves, touching the ground outside. Lower bands of windows bring the surrounding landscape inside.
Originally there was no glazing here, nor entry doors; it was a semi-covered shed with a soil threshold. But the congregation balked at the noise and the intrusion of outside elements.