The Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University, designed between 1994 and 1997, is an architectural embodiment of Jesuit spirituality. Designed by Steven Holl, the project transformed the principles of Ignatian worship into a tangible form, creating a sacred space that harmonizes light, material, and purpose. With a modest building area of 6,100 square feet and a budget of $5.2 million, the chapel fosters unity, reflection, and spiritual connection on campus.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius Technical Information
- Architects1-13: Steven Holl
- Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
- Topics: Sacred Spaces
- Area: 567 m2 | 6,100 Sq. Ft.
- Construction Cost: $5,200,000
- Project Year: 1994 – 1997
- Photographs: © Paul Warchol, © Flickr Users
The concept of ‘Seven Bottles of Light in a Stone Box’ is expressed through the tilt-up method of construction
– Steven Holl Architects
The Chapel of St. Ignatius Photographs
A Unity of Light and Spirit
At the core of this design is the concept of “Seven Bottles of Light in a Stone Box,” a metaphor that encapsulates the interplay of light and structure. The chapel’s ability to weave together symbolic, functional, and aesthetic elements has made it a masterpiece of modern religious architecture.
Rooted in the Jesuits’ “spiritual exercises,” which advocate diverse methods of spiritual engagement, the design of the Chapel of St. Ignatius reflects a “unity of differences.” The concept of “Different Lights” is both literal and metaphorical. Various light volumes emerge from the roof, each corresponding to a unique aspect of Jesuit Catholic worship.
- The south-facing light symbolizes the procession, an essential part of the Mass.
- The north-facing light toward the city aligns with the community outreach mission and houses the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
- The main worship space integrates east and west light, signifying the cyclical nature of spiritual practice.
Each “bottle of light” features a complementary interplay of colors: a pure colored lens and a reflected field of color. This visual phenomenon animates the chapel as light shifts throughout the day. The dynamic interaction of natural light and reflected color reinforces the chapel’s spiritual vitality. At night, the illuminated volumes shine outward, transforming the building into a luminous beacon for the campus.
Innovative Materiality and Construction
The Chapel of St. Ignatius exemplifies the ingenuity of tilt-up concrete construction. The building’s outer envelope is formed from 21 interlocking concrete panels, each cast on-site and lifted into place by a hydraulic crane. These panels, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, were designed with precision to achieve structural integrity and aesthetic simplicity.
The panels’ integral color eliminates the need for additional cladding, creating a cost-effective yet visually striking facade. The subtle interlocking details of the slabs allow for narrow, precise windows, further enhancing the interplay of light and shadow within the chapel. Bronze-capped “pick pockets,” used to lift the panels during construction, now serve as subtle decorative elements, blending utility with artistry.
A Dialogue with Context and Space
The chapel’s site placement was carefully chosen to enhance its role within the Seattle University campus. Positioned to define a new quadrangle, the building’s elongated rectangular plan provides structure and order to the surrounding green spaces while emphasizing its processional interior layout.
Directly south of the chapel lies a reflecting pond, described as a “thinking field.” This water feature enhances the contemplative atmosphere, offering visitors a space for reflection both literally and metaphorically. At night, the chapel’s glowing volumes extend this meditative ambiance outward, connecting the building with its broader community.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius Architectural Critique and Legacy
The Chapel of St. Ignatius succeeds brilliantly in merging concept with execution. Holl’s innovative use of light as a narrative device transforms the space into a living embodiment of Jesuit spirituality. The tilt-up concrete construction is a pragmatic solution and a poetic gesture, reinforcing the chapel’s sense of permanence and simplicity.
While compact in scale, the chapel achieves a profound spatial and symbolic impact. The interplay of color and light elevates the interior experience, offering worshippers a space that feels both intimate and expansive. If any critique can be leveled, it may lie in the limited flexibility of the design for non-liturgical uses, though this does not detract from its primary function as a place of worship.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius remains a seminal work in modern religious architecture. Its innovative integration of light, material, and space has inspired countless architects and continues to serve as a spiritual and architectural landmark.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius Plans
The Chapel of St. Ignatius Image Gallery
About Steven Holl
Steven Holl is an acclaimed architect known for his innovative use of light, material, and space to create evocative and experiential designs. Born in Bremerton, Washington, in 1947, Holl founded Steven Holl Architects in 1976, establishing himself as a leader in contemporary architecture. His work often explores the intersection of concept and context, blending philosophical ideas with cutting-edge construction techniques. Holl’s notable projects include the Chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, and the Linked Hybrid in Beijing.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Architect: Steven Holl
- Project Architect: Tim Bade
- Project Team: Janet Cross, Jan Kinsbergen, Justin Korhammer, Audra Tuskes
- Local Architect: Olson Sundberg Architects
- Structural Engineer: Monte Clark Engineering
- Electrical Engineer: Datum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer: Abacus Engineered Systems
- Liturgical Consultant: Bill Brown, AIA P.C.
- Lighting Consultant: L’Observatoire International
- Acoustical Consultant: Peter George and Associates
- General Contractor: Baugh Construction
- Artists: Linda Beaumont, Dora Nikolova Bittau
- Commissioned By: Seattle University
