On the West Coast a new college chapel:
Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, Thomas Aquinas College, Ojai, California. Architect: Professor Duncan Stroik, School of Architecture, University of Notre Dame. Cost $22 million.
On the East Coast, a new university oratory
Oratory, Ave Maria College, Ave Maria, Collier County, Florida. Architect: Thomas Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza. Cost $24 million.
I much prefer the chapel at TAC; however, to be fair, I must say it looks like the Ave Maria Church beats out the many “gynmnasium” types that I have seen and been in. At least there is a sense of space above. But if those are steel girders, that’s a real turn-off!
Hmmm…It’s a St. Peter’s lookalike versus a cross between Oz and a bishop’s miter. Oh, the incoherence!
Stones Cry Out - If they keep silent… » Things Heard: e58v5
[…] Two chapels. […]
Of course I love the first one; all the second one needs are six candles, a cross and cards on the altar and an apsidal mural or tapestry.
It’s quite obvious that the church at Thomas Aquinas College is coherent and obedient to the classical concepts of church architecture. And actually, so is the Ave Maria Oratory in Naples, Fl.
What the comments may be missing is the experience of walking thru the Oratory – one that is humbling, holy and inspiring.
And yes, the steel trussing – a clear nod to rib vaulting – is the best part.
Remember everyone, Jesus didn’t pray in a Gothic church. It has no more justification than a meadow, an alley or a driveway.
Experience it. You’ll love it.