Will St. Nicholas at Ground Zero Be A Light Version of the Abrahamic Family House?

We were led towards these powerful plutonic forms with a clear geometry, three cubes sitting on a plinth – though not aligned, they each have different orientations. The story then starts to become apparent through the power of the silhouette, unified with commonality and the articulation of the three forms. These structures represent a safe space, each volume illustrated with colonnades, screens and vaults to represent the sacred nature.

Our discovery continued with the common ground, the public space in-between, where the difference connects. I saw the garden as a powerful metaphor, this safe space where community, connection and civility combine—this space exists between the three chambers, the three faiths. The podium allows you to interact with each space, there’s no preventative threshold, and this way you dissolve the perceptions of not being included and encourage the celebration of this collective history and collective identity.

On September 20, 2019, members of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity gathered religious, political and social leaders to begin our interfaith journey toward a more peaceful future for all. This “Celebration of Human Fraternity” centered around curiosity and dialogue as a means to promote acceptance and tolerance among people of goodwill with different beliefs, cultures and traditions. Event activities included a panel conversation with the members of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the unveiling of award-winning architect Sir David Adjaye’s design for the Abrahamic Family House and an interfaith performance by renowned musicians.

This event was only the first Celebration of Human Fraternity.

As the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity continues its work to realize the aspirations of the Document on Human Fraternity, future events and activities will engage additional leaders and audiences around the world.