The Chapel of St. Ignatius and Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center, located on Loyola University New Orleans’ historic quad, provides a place for spiritual contemplation and an inspiring space for campus gatherings. The building’s simple cylindrical form, composed of textured, hand-made brick, harmonizes with the surrounding Tudor-Gothic buildings on campus while maintaining its own distinctive contemporary character. The chapel’s solid exterior evokes permanence and stability that reflects the surrounding campus.
Both inside and out, the building’s curved spaces foster communal intimacy. The layout of the interior references the traditional axial plans of gothic cathedrals while cross-weaving interfaith programs within the dedicated Catholic spaces – elevating Loyola’s value of diversity.
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Status
Completion 2024
Size
4,620 SF
Project Team
Trey Trahan, Brad McWhirter, Robbie Eleazer, Charles Weimer, Conner Bryan, David Sweere, James Babin, Jarri Hasnain, Nader Wallerich, Ryan Barnette, Sheena Garcia
Collaborators
Spackman Mossop Michaels, Morphy Makofsky Inc, Integral Group, Threshold Acoustics, Cost+Plus, Tillotson Design Associates, The Tobler Company, Eleven Visualisation
Awards
AN’s Best of Design Awards, Editor’s Pick in the Unbuilt Education Category, 2021
Tags
Cultural
, Academic
, Artistry
, Atmosphere
As one enters, visitors are led through a calming procession from one room to the next. Each has a distinct volume for their use, with ceiling heights compressing and releasing according to their scale. The circular intersecting rooms create distinctive thresholds linking each space, a reference to the ‘vesica piscis’ symbol and the fundamental interface between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Upon entering the main chapel, deliberate openings in the façade fill the space with natural light with framed views of the greater campus and nature. An oculus at the chapel’s entry connects the space with the sky and heavens above. Custom furnishings and liturgical items express handmade qualities, connecting the sublime with humanity.
The building exemplifies the core mission of Loyola University New Orleans in the image of St. Ignatius, to lead meaningful lives with and for others through truth, wisdom, virtue and celebrate the wholeness of each person who enters.
Trahan Architects feels privileged to be working on such an important project which will enrich Loyola’s Jesuit Catholic identity. It is important now more than ever to celebrate a faith that anchors us.
