Chapel of St. Ignatius
Steven Holl Architects · Seattle, United States · 1997
The Chapel of St. Ignatius turns light into the principal organizer of a compact religious building. Completed in 1997, Steven Holl's design places differently shaped light collectors above a more restrained lower enclosure. Coloured reflections and changing daylight give individual parts of the interior distinct atmospheres without fragmenting the shared worship space. The surrounding campus and reflecting pool provide a quiet approach. Inside, the relationship between indirect light, wall surfaces and the movement toward the altar matters more than a conventional decorative programme. Visiting: A working university chapel. Visit during published public hours and respect services.