Design process of the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace (1954), Hiroshima, by Togo Murano (Part 2): Formal manipulations observed in the design of Xavier Hall (1949)

Abstract

Xavier Hall, a timber structure designed as an auditorium, and believers' hall by Togo Murano Architect Office, were partially completed in 1949 on the property of Nobori-cho Catholic Church in Hiroshima, widely known as the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace. The building is important to understand the design process of the cathedral because it had a fundamental influence on the planning of the religious complex as a whole. For this paper, based on a chronological analysis of sketches and drawings relevant to the building, morphological analysis was performed through three problem-solving studies to reveal the architect's design thinking and strategy.