Moneo Cathedral Los Angeles: Reflection in Senses

As Rafael approached the Cathedral, the bells, and the hollowed cross caught his attention. These features guided him toward the entrance. The weathered appearance formed a sense of synesthesia, “what would they sound like? ” he thought. This simple yet evocative composition establishes an immediate connection between Rafael and the Cathedral. 

Similar to traditional bells that signal us through sound, the entrance facade delivers a hint. He later found out the vantage-looking bells were cast in the 1880s from St. Vibiana’s Cathedral.

After entering the gates, Rafael’s gaze then fell upon the Pool. The gentle sound of cascading water drew him in with its biophilic character. It offered a refreshing contrast to the harsh concrete landscape of downtown Los Angeles.

As he stood by the fountain, he murmured, “This feels relaxing, very different from what’s outside the gates.”

Stepping into the Plaza, Rafael felt the sense of scale dramatically expand. The open space and the adjacent grandiose Cathedral were immense compared to the intimate scale of the gate, the pool, and his own body. This shift in scale evoked a sense of encountering something far greater.

The Great Bronze Doors stood before Rafael. More than just an entrance, they are the metaphor marking the threshold of the holy. Their weight and intricate design underscore the gravity of stepping into a sacred space. The detailed craftsmanship drew his eye and stimulated tactile curiosity. These interesting details stimulate his awareness of the religious context.

Entering the first interior space, Rafael notices the gentle light wash down the wall on the left. It evenly permeated through a linear gap between the ceiling and the wall. The warm and welcoming texture of the stone slab was intensified by the light.

“This is a sacred hallway. Time may have just stopped,” he thought. 

The Baptistery, constructed with black granite, stands out among the surrounding sand-colored Spanish limestones. The contrasting color enhances the significance and creates a strong focus point. Additionally, the constant sound of moving water from the Baptistery added a calming connection to Rafeal’s visit. 

“It’s as if the water’s soothing acoustic whispers the stories of faith and renewal,” Rafael reflected.

At the Baptismal Font, Rafael gazed toward the cross at the far end of the main space and naturally reversed his orientation. This turning point metaphorized the journey of each Christian—starting as a sinner, and returning to God after being baptized. 

He imagined how people leave the pool after the ritual: They exit the Baptistery facing the cross, which symbolizes the reunion with the family of God.

In the expansive Cathedral Nave, Rafael sat in one of the three thousand seats. He is amazed by the sublime ambiance that surpasses the ordinary human scale. Elements in this space were oversized or unified to form a larger entity. 

Massive columns enhanced the nave’s verticality. Their integration with clerestory windows drew his attention to look up and feel the vastness of the space. Smaller objects, such as pews and suspended lights, were oriented to follow the nave’s shape, enhancing the overall outline. 

“This place… it makes me feel so small yet so connected to something greater through the light that gently reaches down to me,” Rafael thought.

The luminous Sanctuary aimed to deliver a connection with God. Despite its contemporary form, the light entering from above created effects similar to those in traditional Romanesque churches. 

To the left of the altar, a large concrete cross was displayed as the main feature. Sunlight filtered through thin alabaster panels, creating a soft, ethereal glow, representing God’s presence reaching the pews. 

“The light here… is the definition of sacred. God is light at this moment.” Rafael responded, feeling a deep sense of peace.

After a meditative praying session, Rafael walked out the Cathedral. He stepped into the Meditation Garden. The Meditation Garden provides a refreshing outdoor space with lush greenery and a biophilic water feature.

Rafael feels loosened up even more by the softness of the shapes and well-positioned elements here. He appreciates the roughly curved stone benches, the casual pattern of the rock paving, and the designed vegetation in different scales.

At the Donor Glass Wall, Rafael tracks through the names. It evokes a contemplation about our interconnectedness. Names etched in the glass symbolized transparency and the community’s collective effort. 

It reminds Rafael how individuals contribute to the whole. Rafael diminishes a sense of self or ego, “We’re all part of something connected.” he thought.

The Cathedral bridged the urban surroundings and the sanctuary through a series of spatial experiences. Each layer offered deeper tranquility. It detaches Rafael from the noise and distractions of everyday life. The quiet atmosphere, illuminated by natural light, provided a sense of serenity and mindfulness. 

With a last, lingering look at the Cathedral, Rafael stepped back into the world outside, carrying with him a renewed sense of mindfulness and quietness within.

Rafael Moneo: Remarks on 21 Works 

Paperback – September 7, 2010

Author: Rafael Moneo

Find out more works of Rafael Moneo in this book, through his highlighted works (including Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral).

Nezu Museum Architecture: Indefinite Space

The Nezu Museum architecture interprets the non-dualistic thinking in Zen philosophy. This article explores how the architectural design achieves so, by exploring ideas of indefinite space.