Gould Evans
Inspired by the creed adopted by the University, the design was conceived from the metaphor of the Osprey and the osprey nest. As a Native American totem, the Osprey represents a beacon to guide one to a place of safety and security; a respect for others; worship of the light; and, are teachers of honing the senses on both a physical and spiritual level.
Further, the Osprey represents harmony with nature as it will not nest in a polluted environment. It is with this in mind, as well as the commitment of the University to sustainability that many sustainable components were envisioned for this project including: passive cooling and ventilation; controlled daylighting and solar shading; selective use of solar hot water heating; water collection; bioswales; use of local materials; and, xeriscaping and use of indigenous plantings.
The project is sighted on the southeast half of the parcel of land that projects into the lake, just southeast of the University Center allowing for maximum views to the north and east while shielding the interiors from direct sunlight. The roof structure was envisioned as the unfolding Osprey wing - sweeping just over the water’s surface. Research into the structure of the wing translated into a screen wall which protects from the harshest sun while creating a poetic expression of filtered light in the most reverential spaces within the structure. This dappling of light conveys a sense of the ephemeral as one enters the main processional of the building to move towards a space of pause at the building’s entrance. A cloister is located at the southeast of the processional and main entry. Framed on the southwest and southeast by a trellised arcade, the cloister is located on the “sacred” side of the chapel and conceived of as an exterior sanctuary that offers additional and flexible programming for the University community.
