St. Mcleau - Church of the Dimorphic Elite

St. Mcleau is the Gothic headquarters for the Church of the Dimorphic Elite. One might wonder at the need for another church when the cathedral (Notre Dame de L'Eau) already provides plenty of room for all citizens to worship. A bit of history is in order. When Aqua-Metropolis was originally created, all citizens worshipped together in the central cathedral. However, as one might recall, citizens for Aqua-Metropolis were chosen either from a list of "important" citizens, or by lottery. Some of the "important" citizens began to feel demeaned to have to worship along side the other "masses." Furthermore, some of these citizens, many of them intellectuals, began to feel that the state religion was over-mystified. Separation and animosity between the two factions grew over time. Finally, one famous intellectual, Marcel Mcleau, proclaimed that the "important' group should start its own religion and break from the under-educated masses. Thus, the Church of the Dimorphic Elite (or "CODE" for short) was formed. The name is purposely complex to intimidate and confuse less educated citizens. The "Dimorphic" element refers to the fact that Aqua-Metropolitan citizens have two skins - Their outer shell of life-supporting technology, and their true flesh of ABS plastic. The "Elite" refers to the fact that the church includes only the best and brightest citizens of the city. Mr. Mcleau was able to influence many followers who subsequently deemed him a saint and the leader of their new religion.

The Church of the Dimorphic Elite (CODE) differs from the state sponsored church in two key ways:

Like the state church, CODE believes in worshipping the God of Interest Rates. Unlike the state church, however, CODE feels this to be a transitory state. They believe that true redemption can only come through direct power over economic factors and interest rates. Towards this goal, CODE members spend virtually all of their free time researching economic theories and models at the Basilica of Enlightenment.

CODE rejects the state church's personification of ultimate evil, Alan Greenspan. They believe that Mr. Greenspan is simply acting to stabilize the economy by adjusting interest rates. CODE believes that the solution is to prevent the economy from destabilizing rather than vilifying Mr. Greenspan.

The building itself is modeled after a late Gothic cathedral called "St. Maclou." Since the cathedral's name sounds the same as "St. Mcleau," this was felt to be a sign from the God of Interest rates. The church is significantly smaller than the main cathedral, but significantly more ornate. The goal is to provide an intimate space for the elite group of worshippers. The nave buttresses protrude from the second story to the ocean floor. This abnormal extension provides additional stability in the underwater realm. The triangular visual motif seen in frontal views (see above) was influenced by Milan Cathedral. In this 3/4 view, one can clearly see how the front porch bows outwards. This was fairly complex to accomplish with normally orthogonal LEGO bricks. It was implemented by constructing an orthogonal framework of the approximate shape and wrapping it with a non-orthogonal facade of arches and columns. Each part of this facade attaches to its sibling member by only one stud. The structure is surprisingly strong because of the framework behind and the stretching pressure from both edges of the building.

		This view shows the rear of the cathedral. The currents from this direction were not felt to be particularly strong, so the buttresses extend only down to the beginning of the second story. The choir area is again accomplished with a non-orthogonal configuration of LEGO bricks. This area was particularly difficult because it required stretching not only a column and arch facade, but filling that facade with glass, and topping it with a roof. The glass is not directly attached the facade and is attached separately to the floor. The sloped ceiling is built with various different roof panels laid at several different angles. The upper story of the choir uses traditional, orthogonal construction. Angled, yellow "castle turret" pieces are utilized to simulate a rounded edge. The second story of the church was eventually reconstructed to incorporate an AquaTrack train station. CODE members do not find this blasphemous. On the contrary, the presence of a station in their church allows them efficient transport to and from the Basilica of Enlightenment.

Click Here for Interior Pictures!

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