St. MARY'S CATHEDRAL: BOLD ARCHITECTURE
Having studied Architecture as an undergrad, I have always had a deep appreciation for buildings that create unique experiences for their inhabitants. I've had the privilege to experience numerous profound spaces during my studies and travels, from ground breaking museums in Paris, Renaissance churches in Italy, to new landscapes in Los Angeles. It's often the gems in our own backyards that are overlooked, and this was definitely the case with St. Mary's Cathedral.
I grew up in San Francisco and my brother attended Sacred Heart Prep, the school affiliated with St. Mary's Cathedral. Somehow, I don't remember visiting the grand church too often, though I might have a few times. This Christmas our family decided to start a new tradition and attend the Christmas mass at St. Mary's. Expecting crowds, we got there early and were surprised at the quiet and calm surroundings. I had the chance to explore and wander around, taking in the incredible space. Through my studies, I could definitely analyze the structural feats accomplished by the concrete shell. But, it was the beauty of those forms that really spoke to me. The architecture was such a futuristic take on what a cathedral could be. And, it was somehow approved and built in San Francisco.
San Francisco is a very liberal city, but the political ideologies do not typically trickle down into the built environment. Buildings are often contemporary takes on tradition, focusing on sustainability or understated elegance. The cathedral is a game changer. The cathedral's striking design flows from the geometric principle of the hyperbolic paraboloid, in which the structure curves upward in graceful lines from the four comers meeting in a cross. It's abstract in its representation of religion. It's a cathedral with windows at the pedestrian level, to help its congregation observe the beloved city. The art matches the elegance abstraction, with the chandelier being a kinetic sculpture of modern art. According to the Cathedral website, "The Cathedral is an artistic and architectural poem. The balance and simplicity of modern engineering echo the union of human and divine. Faith and art combine to create in our contemporary world a worthy heir to the beautiful churches of the past."
I'm pretty certain that today's focus groups and committees would not dare to approve such a revolutionary space. But, somehow, in the 60's they did. After reviewing a bunch of proposals that spanned the traditional forms, the architectural critic Allen Temko advocated a move beyond traditional architectural concepts to create a bold, new cathedral that would reflect San Francisco's status as a major international urban center. And, the people listened.
It's been a pretty self reflective week, and when trying to find the perfect post to wrap up my recent dilemmas, I realized I had never posted about the cathedral. It's definitely a strong reminder not to expect the status quo, not to build things that are safe and tried and true. Only by taking risks, can one accomplish true feats that stand the test of time. The process will be controversial, probably full of battles. But, the liberating outcome will be worth it. It will be a beacon of change and transformation.
Sometimes, we (I) need that reminder.
February 7, 2014 
