St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio, designed by David Meleca |
David Meleca's design inspiration for the 38,000 square foot church came from Romanesque Revival architecture, also known as the Richardsonian Romanesque style, named after architect Henry Hobson Richardson.
Norman architecture, a Romanesque style, primarily English - is another example of work which influenced Meleca's design. This YouTube video of the Norman Chapel at the Tower of London shows similar rounded arches over windows and doorways.
One book Meleca sourced was "Henry Hobson Richardson, A Genius for Architecture". Richardson's R. and F. Cheney Building, in Hartford, Connecticut influenced the exterior styling of St. Paul's. You can see similarity in the arches over the windows.
R & F Cheney Building, Hartford Connecticut, designed by H.H. Richardson |
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio, designed by David Meleca |
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio, designed by David Meleca |
Romanesque Revival is inspired from the Romanesque style. Unlike the Romanesque style though, Romanesque Revival buildings feature more simplified arches and windows.
The interior features similar arches and columns throughout. Meleca wanted to create an inviting liturgical space, similar to the feel of St. Therese's Retreat Center in Columbus, Ohio.
St. Therese's Retreat Center, Columbus, Ohio |
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio designed by David Meleca |
Color and detail recommendations for the mural behind St. Paul's altar, designed by EverGreene Architectural Arts out of New York City, was inspired from St. Pankraz Innen Church in Germany.
St. Pankraz Innen, Germany |
Mural behind Altar - St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio |
Mural - St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio |
Mural - St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio |