David F. Schultz Associates, Ltd.

The congregation directed our firm to "create a building that promotes a search for truth and meaning, is conducive to the musical arts, is appropriate to the natural prairie site, and symbolizes simplicity, utility, and ecology."

The Sanctuary employs a variety of direct and indirect natural light sources to promote a dynamic and constantly changing sense of spiritual mystery, while the visibility of natural prairie and gardens maintain a sense of peacefulness. Faceted wood panels, supported by variably spaced furring, are placed in bays along the side and rear walls to "tune" the Sanctuary to the congregation's musical traditions and values. Natural materials, emphasis on horizontal lines, and a simple composition of forms results in a peaceful unity between the building and the surrounding prairie.