Chapel of the Holy Spirit

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

Sasaki received this commission as a result of a Master Plan study for the University. The Master Plan created a new framework for campus development that focused on the creation of a holistic experience for the Sacred Heart community around academic, social and spiritual life. As the first projects born out of the Master Plan, the Chapel and New Green create a new nexus at the heart of the campus and establish new standards for design quality that will guide future projects.

Can you describe your design process for the building?

The design process for the building was very collaborative between the Design Team and the University. The client's philosophical and liturgical constructs served as the guide for major design investigations and decisions, both at the large scale (building plans, massing, open spaces) and the detail levels (material selections and lighting strategies). The Design Team made numerous physical models and renderings to illustrate how spaces would feel and connect to the campus, translating the University's vision into built form.

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

The working drawings were based off of a scaled physical model developed at the end of the design process and reflective of the University's aspirations. The completed building adhered closely to the model.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

This project represents the level of design investigation and interdisciplinary collaboration we aim for in all of our projects. We also had the benefit of a very engaged and interactive client who contributed ideas and energy to the process, all to the benefit of the completed project.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

The building and landscape represent a translation of the client's vision for a new campus. As such, the resulting forms and spaces are heavily anchored on liturgical texts associated with sheltering, embracing, welcoming, bringing light, connecting. Those underpinnings provided the framework for sustainable and integrated design solutions.

Are there any new/upcoming projects in your office that this building’s design and construction has influenced?

The Chapel is demonstrative of an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach that permeates all of our work. That includes a strong focus on client mission, rigorous design investigation - simultaneously considering numerous fields such as tectonics, site and landscape, technology, material research - and a passion for unique and integrated solutions.

E-Mail Interview conducted by John Hill