St Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
HOPKINS TERRACE
NATURE OF OUR WORK AT ST. MARTINS EC
We were retained to incorporate a ramp into the expansion of an existing outdoor area into the Hopkins Terrace, a place that could better accommodate year-round informal gatherings and most specifically the Easter Vigil Service. This launched the beginning of a multi-phase effort to increase accessibility on the entire grounds of St Martins. The first phase has focused on pedestrian access and welcoming, particularly along the Willow Grove Avenue frontage, to both the Sanctuary and Parish Hall.
HOPKINS TERRACE DESIGN STRATEGY:
Named for late parishioner Johns Hopkins, this expanded outdoor room is organized around the aisle sanctuary entry, where a monolithic granite pedestal (on which a fire pit is placed for the Easter Vigil Service) is placed on axis, and forms a symbolic connection with, the Baptismal font inside the Sanctuary. The lower ramp run is integrated with exits from side chapel and undercroft, set at the angle of one of the Chapel’s buttresses. The existing stairs were expanded and moved forward against new granite plinths, to accommodate the ramp’s upper run and provide a landing to welcome parishioners. New flared stair railings leave the entry view from Willow Grove Avenue enhanced but virtually unchanged.
At the confluence of many existing paths, the Terrace also reconnects to Willow Grove Avenue where a street crossing directly accesses parking in the adjacent lot.
At the Parish House, a glass door and sidelites were inserted behind the original wood doors, which remain open during business hours to create a more welcoming entry for the program of Parish and community events held there.
