75 / 112
MARCH 2015 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
75
ministrative building as the project developed. This was addressed by uti-
lizing directional signage, a fenced pathway through the staging area, and
creating a larger space in the temporary entrance to allow for easier access
to the cathedral.
The 40-year-old historical entry to the cathedral was very understated. One
design aspect of the new chapel was to announce the entrance to the sa-
cred space. Previously, a bridge provided access to the cathedral. This exte-
rior bridge would ice up during inclement weather. With the addition of
the chapel, which is located closer to the parking lot, the bridge has been re-
placed with a coveredmain entry. The new entry leads to a corridor accessing
the new chapel as well as the original cathedral.
A critical component to this project’s success was the ongoing involvement
of the cathedral’s real estate committee members and clergy. They attended
ongoing project meetings, and their recommendations on key elements were
incorporated into the project. In particular, they provided their vision of the
recessed adult baptismal fount (an amenity the cathedral did not have pre-
viously), light fixtures and finishes as well as orientation of these features.
The chapel is designed in a Byzantine architectural style to solemnly re-
spect the design of the cathedral. The chapel dome is supported by four tra-
ditional pendentives, a triangular segment supporting the spherical dome
above. The dome features natural light that dances down the walls through
the clerestory windows. The exterior color of the chapel dome is intended to
subtly complement the much larger golden cathedral dome.
The new chapel allows the parish to hold weekday services and provides a
space scaled for smaller, more intimate services such as adult baptisms, and
smaller weddings or funerals.
\\
Photos by Krische Construction
FACING PAGE:
The new chapel reflects Byzantine
architecture.
ABOVE TOP:
Natural light radiates through the new
chapel.
ABOVE BOTTOM:
Interior of new chapel dome during
construction
TOP RIGHT:
As the structural pieces are put in
place, the new chapel takes shape
during the early phase of construction.