The Chapel of Saint Ignatius
64
- Dedicated April 6, 1997
- Architect: Steven Holl,
- Associate Architect: Olson Sundberg Architect,
- Contractor: Baugh Construction
This small chapel incorporates a variety of tactile materials: smooth tilt-up concrete walls stained warm brown, heavy carved wooden entry doors, textured plaster interior walls. The light entering the chapel through many different sorts of windows washes the walls with different colors.
The organic curves and play with light remind me of Le Corbusier's Ronchamp.
Perhaps the similarity is a bit too obvious.
This building feels a bit flimsy and somewhat gimicky. It might be that the architect is trying to do too much...that he is experimenting with everything...and some of the experiments are bound to fail.
I like the delicate metal cross above the entry and the way it seems to be speaking to the taller sculptural cross across the pool of water. The different shapes and colors of light create a nice effect, but the thickly textured white plaster that recieves the light is not elegant.
The concrete wall on the north side has a notable crack running between several of the oval shaped nobs. I think these are decorative, but also bolting the wall panels in place (see the last few photos below)
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
my critique comes across a bit harsh. I like it too.
If you like this chapel, you might also like Matisse's chapel in Vence, France. Most people only think of Matisse as an artist, but Matisse himself regarded the chapel as his "masterpiece". The design is thoroughly modern, like St. Ignacious, and inside it is open and wonderfully light. He also designed the stain glass windows, works of art all by themselves. And if you want an interesting love story, check out how he came to be involved with the chapel. Tender and touching.
You can find out all about it by doing a little "google research".











Stacie Naczelnik says:
2 years ago
I actually think it is a beautiful building, and very peaceful inside. Of course, I'm biased as a Seattle U Alumni.