Client’s brief:

This new Oxford hospital has a circular room at its core, designed to be used as a spiritual hub to the building. However the client had difficulty envisaging what could be done in a circular space to make it practical for use for a range of differing religions.

Our response:

Philip Clayden designed a mobile sculptural circular table with glass top for religious use. Deliberately incorporating no specific symbols, it was designed to embrace a natural experience of devotion common to all religions. Accompanying the table were sculptural chairs designed to offer orthopaedic support and comfort, and additional storage cupboards.

The feedback:

Much positive feedback has been received from both overseers and users of the space. Many people appreciate the natural symbolism of the table as an effective interpretation of a peaceful, devotional impulse.