At St Michael’s Uniting Church in Collins Street, Melbourne, we designed an intimate non-denominational meditation chapel within the existing building — in a former side chapel dating from the 1950s. In the centre of the space is a fine sculpture by Akira Takizawa, composed of three large rocks, white marble and a water bowl. To go above it, we designed an intricate mandala made of wood for the ceiling.

Inspired by a visit to the Scottish island of Iona, Dr Francis McNabb (the minister) decided to suggest the adaptation of the simple chapel space for use as a sanctuary and place of contemplation for all the people of Melbourne. Accessed directly from the street, it is open to anyone, particularly those who have suffered trauma or tragedy.

Mingary is a Gaelic word that means ‘the quiet place’.