Ten years ago, Seattle University was transformed with the official unveiling of the Chapel of St. Ignatius, which opened its doors on Palm Sunday.
In the decade since, the chapel—with its bold, modernistic design—has evolved into the spiritual center of campus, providing an intimate gathering place for the hundreds who visit weekly for prayer and liturgy.
The vision of architect Steven Holl, the Chapel of St. Ignatius was designed based on a concept of "seven bottles of light in a stone box," in which light passes through each of the bottles to bathe the chapel walls in different colors of light. Space and light were important factors in Holl's design, which is bold and modernistic, dominated by high ceilings, curvy lines and white, hand-textured walls. The interior is ingeniously lit by sunlight that passes through colored-glass lenses and light that bounces off color fields painted on the back of suspended concrete baffles. Visiting the chapel is an experience on many levels, and a sight to behold.
Now a part of the university's core identity, the Chapel of St. Ignatius is a world-recognized architectural landmark and the vibrant center of our spiritual community. It's an open-hearted, meditative space where people from all faith communities can find hope and solace.
For more detailed information regarding the Chapel of St. Ignatius, including hours of operation, please visit the chapel web site.
The chapel is made of 21 separate wall panels, the largest of which weighs 77 tons. They were hoisted into place in 18 hours.