reality, authenticity, and integrity. Architecture which seeks to reflect this
aspect of religion avoids illusion, deceit, dissimulation, artificiality,
artifice, and cosmetics. It is what it appears to be. It is coherent, candid,
authentic, whole.
(3) Finally, religion is committed to ethical postures; it seeks the
good; and it supports the welfare of persons and society. Architecture that
echoes this property is hospitable; humane, generous. noble, lively. It has
the qualities that we find in the people we call "good". It is not
authoritarian or pompous; it does not aim to impress or overwhelm, but to be a
good servant, a gracious host and warm companion.
d.
Variable Uses of Spaces Planned for Worship.. Although the primary
use of the chapel-assembly paces is for common worship these spaces are
available also for other appropriate community assemblies when schedules
permit. Their flexibility and "secularity" may encourage this, and certain
elements of furnishings and equipment may also be variously usable.
Nevertheless, certain spaces are assigned to meet the particular needs of
particular faith groups, and are not to be understood as available for other
purposes. Examples are the Chapels of Reservation provided for Roman Catholics
and the facilities provided for kosher food service. Obviously a great many of
the articles of equipment and furnishings may also be restricted in their use.
e.
Consultants in Liturgical Arts. Those Architectural/Engineering
(A/E) firms who have little experience in the design of places of worship, or
whose experience is limited in denominational variety, or has not been based
on the concepts of adaptability and secularity necessary for naval facilities,
should obtain the help of a consultant, to serve as instructor, critic, and
aide. The use of liturgical consultants is encouraged and consistent with
Chief of Naval operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5430.48. The Contracting
Officer may require the services of a consultant in the Scope of Work of the
Contract of the Architect/Engineer. The applicable sentences of the OPNAVINST
reads as follows:
"...The liturgical and acoustical requirements of religious
facilities as well as any other specialized requirements of these facilities
due to their unique use shall be carefully evaluated and documented during the
design process."
Consultants, when used, shall be active from the very beginning of the
A/E work until design detail is complete.
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