St. Joseph of the Holy Family, Harlem NY

This project began with design and consultation meetings with the pastor, Philip Kelly, and a renovation and building committee from the parish. Their two main requests were to stay within budget and to respect the African-American heritage of the congregation. The parish was founded by German immigrants, and the church was built to emulate the churches they left behind. The new congregation wanted a shift from this pseudo-European design to something “Afro-centric”. Renovata Studios researched the art and furniture of several African tribes including Zulu, Yoruba and Swahili, which inspired a design direction for the new liturgical elements.

Read full article: Faith & Forum, Nov. 1, 2010